Liver Cirrhosis - Overview and Mechanisms
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Questions and Answers

Liver cirrhosis is caused by an excessive buildup of healthy hepatocytes.

False (B)

The presence of fibroblasts in the liver is a hallmark of liver cirrhosis.

True (A)

In liver cirrhosis, the number of healthy hepatocytes increases due to the damage.

False (B)

The replacement of hepatocytes by fibroblasts has a negligible impact on liver function.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The term "hepatocytes" refers to cells found in the pancreas.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Patients with cirrhosis can have a decrease in their ability to eliminate ammonia from their bodies.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cirrhosis can be reliably diagnosed in its earliest stages with a simple blood test.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The formation of fibrous tissue in the liver due to cirrhosis leads to the development of nodules, which can impede blood flow.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The pressure in the portal vein decreases in patients with cirrhosis, due to the reduced blood flow from the intestines.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A liver biopsy is the only reliable way to diagnose cirrhosis in its early stages.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Food preservatives are one of the factors that can contribute to liver damage.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Antioxidant-rich foods are beneficial for liver health, but they can also be harmful if consumed in high quantities.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Environmental pollution can have a negative impact on liver function.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Medicines that have never been tested on the liver are always safe for liver health.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The use of certain herbs can potentially harm the liver just like some drugs.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In cases of both renal and hepatic failure, accurately determining potassium levels is crucial.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In liver cirrhosis, the determination of fluid intake is directly proportional to the amount of urine excreted.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cirrhosis of the liver can manifest yellowing of the whites of the eyes.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The level of albumin in the blood increases significantly in patients with cirrhosis.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ascites is the term used for fluid retained in the abdomen due to cirrhosis.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Esophageal varices are caused by high blood pressure within the liver's blood vessels.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

It typically takes less than 5 years for cirrhosis to develop after its initial causes appear.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

First degree cirrhosis is characterized by significant pathological manifestations.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Antibiotic injections are administered for bacterial infections in the anterior cavity of the body.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cirrhosis can be identified through visible symptoms at the first degree stage.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A diet free of salt has no impact on the management of cirrhosis.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The first degree of cirrhosis accounts for 20% of all cirrhosis cases.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Liver Cirrhosis

A condition where liver cells (hepatocytes) are damaged and replaced by scar tissue (fibroblasts).

Hepatocytes

Liver cells, responsible for many crucial functions like filtering toxins and producing proteins.

Fibroblasts

Specialized cells that produce collagen, a protein that forms scar tissue in the liver.

Reduced healthy liver cells in Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis reduces the number of healthy liver cells, impairing its ability to function.

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Complications of Liver Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis can lead to serious complications like liver failure, ascites, and jaundice.

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Liver function in cirrhosis

The liver's ability to remove nitrogenous waste products, particularly ammonia, is reduced.

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Early Cirrhosis Diagnosis

Cirrhosis is difficult to detect early on. A liver biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

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Nodule Formation in Cirrhosis

Fibrous tissue forms around healthy liver cells, creating nodules that impact blood flow.

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Blood Flow Obstruction in Cirrhosis

The nodules obstruct blood flow from the intestines to the liver, increasing pressure in the portal vein.

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Portal Vein

The portal vein is a major vein that carries blood from the digestive system to the liver.

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Jaundice

A condition where the whites of the eyes appear yellow due to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.

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Ascites

A buildup of fluid in the abdomen, often caused by low albumin levels in the blood.

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Esophageal Varices

Swollen veins in the esophagus, a common complication of cirrhosis.

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Hyperammonemia

An increase in ammonia levels in the blood, which can cause confusion, drowsiness, and even coma.

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Palmar Erythema

A reddish discoloration of the palms of the hands due to dilated blood vessels, often seen in people with liver disease.

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First Degree Cirrhosis

The first stage of cirrhosis, where no visible damage is observed. 20% of the liver is affected.

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Peritoneal Bacterial Infection

A bacterial infection in the membrane surrounding the abdominal organs, often treated with antibiotics.

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Salt-Free Food

When a food item is free from added salt, it is considered salt-free.

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What is Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is a serious liver condition. This condition replaces healthy liver cells with scar tissue, hindering the liver's function.

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Liver Toxins

Substances like chemicals in food preservatives, pollutants in the environment, certain medications, and even some herbs can harm liver cells, leading to damage or disease.

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Antioxidants for Liver Health

Foods rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, can help protect the liver from damage by neutralizing harmful substances.

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Medication's Impact on Liver

Some medications, especially those not thoroughly studied, can have unintended side effects on the liver, potentially causing damage.

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Liver's Role in Detoxification

The liver plays a vital role in filtering toxins and waste from the body. When it's damaged, its ability to perform these functions efficiently diminishes.

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Liver Health Awareness

Unrecognized liver damage can worsen over time, possibly leading to serious conditions like liver failure. Regular checkups and awareness of potential risks are crucial.

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Fluid balance and urine output

When the body doesn't produce enough urine, the amount of fluid in the body increases.

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Potassium in renal and hepatic failure

In cases of renal failure and hepatic failure, potassium levels need to be carefully monitored.

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Dietary planning for liver cirrhosis

A complete dietary plan should be designed to meet the individual needs of someone with liver cirrhosis.

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Dietary needs based on activity level

The amount of calories and nutrients a person needs depends on their age, weight, height, and level of activity.

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Fluid buildup in cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis can lead to complications like fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites).

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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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Liver Cirrhosis PDF

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.

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