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Questions and Answers
Liver cirrhosis is caused by an excessive buildup of healthy hepatocytes.
Liver cirrhosis is caused by an excessive buildup of healthy hepatocytes.
False
The presence of fibroblasts in the liver is a hallmark of liver cirrhosis.
The presence of fibroblasts in the liver is a hallmark of liver cirrhosis.
True
In liver cirrhosis, the number of healthy hepatocytes increases due to the damage.
In liver cirrhosis, the number of healthy hepatocytes increases due to the damage.
False
The replacement of hepatocytes by fibroblasts has a negligible impact on liver function.
The replacement of hepatocytes by fibroblasts has a negligible impact on liver function.
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The term "hepatocytes" refers to cells found in the pancreas.
The term "hepatocytes" refers to cells found in the pancreas.
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Patients with cirrhosis can have a decrease in their ability to eliminate ammonia from their bodies.
Patients with cirrhosis can have a decrease in their ability to eliminate ammonia from their bodies.
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Cirrhosis can be reliably diagnosed in its earliest stages with a simple blood test.
Cirrhosis can be reliably diagnosed in its earliest stages with a simple blood test.
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The formation of fibrous tissue in the liver due to cirrhosis leads to the development of nodules, which can impede blood flow.
The formation of fibrous tissue in the liver due to cirrhosis leads to the development of nodules, which can impede blood flow.
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The pressure in the portal vein decreases in patients with cirrhosis, due to the reduced blood flow from the intestines.
The pressure in the portal vein decreases in patients with cirrhosis, due to the reduced blood flow from the intestines.
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A liver biopsy is the only reliable way to diagnose cirrhosis in its early stages.
A liver biopsy is the only reliable way to diagnose cirrhosis in its early stages.
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Food preservatives are one of the factors that can contribute to liver damage.
Food preservatives are one of the factors that can contribute to liver damage.
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Antioxidant-rich foods are beneficial for liver health, but they can also be harmful if consumed in high quantities.
Antioxidant-rich foods are beneficial for liver health, but they can also be harmful if consumed in high quantities.
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Environmental pollution can have a negative impact on liver function.
Environmental pollution can have a negative impact on liver function.
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Medicines that have never been tested on the liver are always safe for liver health.
Medicines that have never been tested on the liver are always safe for liver health.
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The use of certain herbs can potentially harm the liver just like some drugs.
The use of certain herbs can potentially harm the liver just like some drugs.
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In cases of both renal and hepatic failure, accurately determining potassium levels is crucial.
In cases of both renal and hepatic failure, accurately determining potassium levels is crucial.
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A diet plan for a 60-year-old individual with liver cirrhosis, weighing 90 kg and standing 170 cm tall, should prioritize high-protein intake to aid liver regeneration.
A diet plan for a 60-year-old individual with liver cirrhosis, weighing 90 kg and standing 170 cm tall, should prioritize high-protein intake to aid liver regeneration.
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In liver cirrhosis, the determination of fluid intake is directly proportional to the amount of urine excreted.
In liver cirrhosis, the determination of fluid intake is directly proportional to the amount of urine excreted.
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The phrase "light activity" refers to a level of physical activity that is suitable for an individual with liver cirrhosis, regardless of their health status.
The phrase "light activity" refers to a level of physical activity that is suitable for an individual with liver cirrhosis, regardless of their health status.
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A full-day diet plan for Ahmed, a 60-year-old individual with liver cirrhosis, should include generous portions of fatty foods to supply essential nutrients.
A full-day diet plan for Ahmed, a 60-year-old individual with liver cirrhosis, should include generous portions of fatty foods to supply essential nutrients.
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Cirrhosis of the liver can manifest yellowing of the whites of the eyes.
Cirrhosis of the liver can manifest yellowing of the whites of the eyes.
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The level of albumin in the blood increases significantly in patients with cirrhosis.
The level of albumin in the blood increases significantly in patients with cirrhosis.
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Ascites is the term used for fluid retained in the abdomen due to cirrhosis.
Ascites is the term used for fluid retained in the abdomen due to cirrhosis.
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Esophageal varices are caused by high blood pressure within the liver's blood vessels.
Esophageal varices are caused by high blood pressure within the liver's blood vessels.
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It typically takes less than 5 years for cirrhosis to develop after its initial causes appear.
It typically takes less than 5 years for cirrhosis to develop after its initial causes appear.
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First degree cirrhosis is characterized by significant pathological manifestations.
First degree cirrhosis is characterized by significant pathological manifestations.
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Antibiotic injections are administered for bacterial infections in the anterior cavity of the body.
Antibiotic injections are administered for bacterial infections in the anterior cavity of the body.
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Cirrhosis can be identified through visible symptoms at the first degree stage.
Cirrhosis can be identified through visible symptoms at the first degree stage.
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A diet free of salt has no impact on the management of cirrhosis.
A diet free of salt has no impact on the management of cirrhosis.
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The first degree of cirrhosis accounts for 20% of all cirrhosis cases.
The first degree of cirrhosis accounts for 20% of all cirrhosis cases.
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Study Notes
Liver Cirrhosis - Definition
- Liver cirrhosis is a condition where hepatocytes (liver cells) are destroyed and replaced by fibroblasts.
- This replacement results in fewer healthy cells, diminishing the liver's ability to eliminate nitrogenous toxins (like ammonia).
- Early-stage cirrhosis is often undetectable without a liver sample.
Liver Cirrhosis - Mechanisms
- Fibrous tissue surrounds and forms knots around healthy liver cells.
- These fibrous knots (nodular tissues) block the flow of blood from the intestines to the liver.
- This blockage increases pressure in the veins connected to the liver, especially the portal vein area.
- Increased pressure causes water accumulation (edema) in the body and bleeding from swollen veins in the gastrointestinal tract.
Liver Cirrhosis - Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss
- Enlarged liver and gallstones
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes
- Swollen feet and ascites (fluid build-up in the abdomen).
- Low albumin levels in the blood, causing low osmotic pressure in plasma.
- Elevated ammonia levels in the blood.
- Esophageal varices (swollen veins in the esophagus)
Liver Cirrhosis - Causes
- Various factors contribute to liver cirrhosis.
- Some causes are unknown but may include viral hepatitis (mild to moderate or severe).
- Harmful drugs, environmental pollution, food preservatives, and herbs can all cause liver damage.
- Sometimes, treatments may not adequately consider the potential harm on the liver.
- The progression from the early stages to severe stages may take 20 years.
Liver Cirrhosis - Management/Treatment of Ascites
- Reduce salt intake and use diuretics to remove excess water from the body.
- Paracentesis (using a needle to drain excess fluid from the abdomen) if diuretics are ineffective
- Diet free from salt and antibiotic injections if a bacterial infection is present in the abdomen's peritoneum.
Liver Cirrhosis - Stages
- First degree (20%): Minimal pathological manifestations. Liver enzymes may be normal in half of cases, or elevated in some.
- Second degree (40%): Increase in blood bile levels, decreased blood albumin levels.
- Third degree (80%): Fibrosis is advanced, leading to additional complications like ascites and swelling.
Liver Cirrhosis - Disease Progression
- Progression from mild to severe stages of the disease can take years, depending on the type and activity of the virus.
Liver Cirrhosis - Dietary Recommendations (RDA)
- Energy: 35-40 calories per kilogram of body weight (adjusted based on carbohydrate and fat intake)
- Protein: 1-1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight (easily digestible protein like egg white or boiled chicken breast preferred)
Liver Cirrhosis - Hepatic Coma Treatment
- Protein restriction: Completely avoid protein in cases of hepatic coma.
- Tube feeding: Initially provide glucose and fat via tube feeding, gradually introducing protein (starting with 10 grams per day) as the patient improves.
- Vitamins and minerals: Supplement with vitamin B complex and iron.
Liver Cirrhosis - Further Dietary Recommendations
- Fat: 20% of daily calories should come from vegetable sources. In cases of low bile secretion, fat intake should be limited to 30-40 grams per day.
- Carbohydrates: 55-60% of daily calories should come from carbohydrates. Bee honey is beneficial for stimulating liver function.
- Meals: Maintain small and frequent meals.
- Fluids and electrolytes: Monitor sodium intake (1000-2000 mg daily in the absence of ascites; 200-500 mg daily in the presence of ascites/pedal edema) based on urine output and kidney function. If renal/hepatic failure, potassium levels need careful monitoring.
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Description
This quiz covers essential aspects of liver cirrhosis, including its definition, the mechanisms involved in the condition, and the various symptoms associated with it. Understanding these elements is crucial for recognizing and managing liver health effectively.
