Cirrhosis Guidelines

Cirrhosis of the liver happens when the liver deteriorates due to scarring from prolonged injury or disease. The scar tissue blocks blood flow through the liver when it replaces healthy tissue, eliminating the liver's ability to regenerate its cells normally and impairing other essential liver functions. Medline Plus states that five percent of people with cirrhosis later develop liver cancer. People cannot live without a liver, so advanced cirrhosis calls for liver transplantation.

Causes

• Alcoholism and hepatitis-C are the most common causes of cirrhosis in the United States. Hepatitis B and D, nonalcoholic fatty liver, autoimmune hepatitis, inherited diseases and those that damage bile ducts, infections and toxins, along with certain drugs, can also cause cirrhosis of the liver.

Symptoms

• Symptoms associated with cirrhosis include easy bleeding and bruising, fatigue, loss of appetite, fluid retention in the abdomen, nausea, weight loss and swelling of the legs.

Complications

• People with cirrhosis are susceptible to nosebleeds, medication sensitivities, high blood pressure in the vein that leads to the liver, vein enlargement in the stomach and esophagus, and kidney failure.

Diagnosis

• A diagnosis of cirrhosis is reached after blood tests to look for specific markers associated with the condition, CAT scans or MRIs of the liver, and liver biopsy.

Treatment

• Treatment for cirrhosis includes eating a healthy diet to promote good nutrition, avoiding alcohol and certain drugs, controlling complications and other conditions associated with cirrhosis, and medications to help with symptoms.