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Alternative names Return to top
Liver cirrhosisDefinition Return to top
Cirrhosis is the result of chronic liver disease that causes scarring of the liver (fibrosis - nodular regeneration) and liver dysfunction. This often has many complications, including accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), bleeding disorders (coagulopathy), increased pressure in the blood vessels (portal hypertension), and confusion or a change in the level of consciousness (hepatic encephalopathy).Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Cirrhosis is caused by chronic liver disease. Common causes of chronic liver disease in the US include hepatitis C infection and long-term alcohol abuse. (See Alcoholic liver disease.) Hepatitis C is now the most common reason for liver transplantation in the US. Other causes of cirrhosis include hepatitis B, medications, autoimmune inflammation of the liver, disorders of the drainage system of the liver (the biliary system), and metabolic disorders of iron and copper (hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease).
Symptoms Return to top
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Symptoms may develop gradually, or there may be no symptoms.
Signs and tests Return to top
A physical examination may reveal an enlarged liver or spleen, distended abdomen, yellow eyes or skin (jaundice), red spider-like blood vessels on the skin, excess breast tissue, small testicles in men, reddened palms, contracted fingers, or dilated abdominal wall veins.
Tests can reveal liver problems including:
A liver biopsy confirms cirrhosis.
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment Return to top
Treatment is directed at managing the complications of cirrhosis and preventing further liver damage.
Support Groups Return to top
The stress of illness can often be eased by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See liver disease - support group.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Survival depends on the severity of complications of cirrhosis and the underlying causes.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms develop that are suggestive of cirrhosis.
Call your provider, or go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if vomiting blood or if rapid changes in alertness or consciousness occur.
Prevention Return to top
Don't drink heavily. If you find that your drinking is getting out of hand, seek professional help. Avoiding intravenous drug use (or only using clean needles and never sharing other equipment) will reduce the risk of hepatitis B and C. Some research indicates that hepatitis C may be spread via shared use of straws or items used to snort cocaine or other drugs. Avoid snorting drugs or sharing any related paraphernalia. If you have a problem with illicit drugs, seek help.
Update Date: 5/14/2004 Updated by: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |