Liver Cirrhosis Overview

Study Notes

Definition

Liver cirrhosis is the late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by various liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcohol abuse.

Causes

Chronic Alcohol Abuse
Viral Hepatitis
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Bile Duct Disorders
- Primary biliary cholangitis
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Genetic Disorders
- Hemochromatosis
- Wilson's disease
Medications and Toxins
- Long-term use of certain medications or exposure to toxins.

Symptoms

Fatigue
Weakness
Easy bruising and bleeding
Swelling in legs (edema) and abdomen (ascites)
Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Itchy skin
Confusion or difficulty thinking (hepatic encephalopathy)

Complications

Portal Hypertension
- Increased blood pressure in the portal vein.
Varices
- Swollen blood vessels, often in the esophagus or stomach, that can bleed.
Liver Cancer
- Increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Liver Failure
- Can be acute or chronic; requires medical intervention.
Infections
- Higher susceptibility, particularly spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Diagnosis

Blood Tests
- Liver function tests, complete blood count, and tests for viral hepatitis.
Imaging
- Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to assess liver structure and blood flow.
Liver Biopsy
- May be performed to evaluate the extent of liver damage.

Treatment

Lifestyle Changes
- Avoid alcohol, adopt a healthy diet, and exercise.
Medications
- Treat underlying conditions (e.g., antivirals for hepatitis).
Management of Complications
- Diuretics for edema and ascites, beta-blockers for portal hypertension.
Liver Transplant
- Considered in cases of decompensated cirrhosis or liver failure.

Prevention

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B.
Maintain a healthy weight and diet.
Regular medical check-ups for individuals at risk (e.g., chronic hepatitis).

Definition

Liver cirrhosis represents the advanced scarring stage of the liver, resulting from damage from various liver diseases.

Causes

Chronic alcohol abuse is a major contributor to liver cirrhosis.
Viral hepatitis infections, particularly Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, can lead to cirrhosis.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) involves fat accumulation in the liver and can cause cirrhosis.
Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks liver cells, potentially resulting in cirrhosis.
Bile duct disorders, such as primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, impede bile flow and contribute to liver damage.
Genetic disorders like hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease cause abnormal accumulation of substances in the liver, leading to scarring.
Long-term use of certain medications or exposure to environmental toxins can damage the liver.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include fatigue and weakness.
Patients may experience easy bruising and bleeding.
Edema (swelling in the legs) and ascites (abdominal swelling) are frequent manifestations.
Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, is often seen.
Itchy skin and confusion (hepatic encephalopathy) may indicate worsening liver function.

Complications

Portal hypertension results from increased blood pressure in the portal vein, complicating cirrhosis.
Varices are swollen blood vessels, typically in the esophagus or stomach, that pose a bleeding risk.
An increased likelihood of liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma, is associated with cirrhosis.
Liver failure can occur in acute or chronic forms, necessitating urgent medical intervention.
Patients face a higher risk of infections, including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Diagnosis

Blood tests assess liver function and check for viral hepatitis through liver function tests and complete blood counts.
Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs evaluate liver structure and blood flow.
A liver biopsy may be conducted to determine the extent of liver damage.

Treatment

Lifestyle changes are crucial, including alcohol avoidance, a balanced diet, and regular exercise.
Medications target underlying causes, such as antivirals for viral hepatitis.
Management of complications includes diuretics for edema and blood pressure medication for portal hypertension.
Liver transplantation is an option for patients with decompensated cirrhosis or liver failure.

Prevention

Limit alcohol intake to prevent liver damage.
Vaccinate against hepatitis A and B to reduce infection risk.
Maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet to promote liver health.
Regular medical check-ups are important for individuals at risk of liver diseases.

Description

Explore the critical aspects of liver cirrhosis, including its causes, symptoms, and complications. Learn how chronic conditions such as alcohol abuse and hepatitis can lead to liver damage and the vital signs to watch for. This quiz is essential for understanding liver health and disease.