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Cirrhosis

    Cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease in which healthy liver tissue is gradually replaced by scar tissue (fibrosis). This scarring impairs the liver’s ability to function properly and can lead to serious complications, including liver failure, internal bleeding, and liver cancer. Early detection and treatment can slow or stop disease progression..

What Is Cirrhosis?

    Cirrhosis is the result of long-term, continuous damage to the liver. As scar tissue forms, it blocks the flow of blood through the liver and interferes with its vital functions, such as detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of bile.

Causes of Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis can be caused by a variety of chronic liver conditions, including:

  • Chronic alcohol abuse (Alcoholic Liver Disease)
  • Hepatitis B and C
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) / Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Genetic disorders (e.g., Hemochromatosis, Wilson’s Disease, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency)
  • Bile duct diseases (e.g., Primary biliary cholangitis, Primary sclerosing cholangitis)
  • Long-term exposure to toxins or medications

Stages of Cirrhosis

  • Compensated Cirrhosis : The liver is damaged but still able to perform most of its functions. Symptoms may be minimal or absent.
  • Decompensated Cirrhosis : Liver function is severely impaired, and complications such as jaundice, ascites, and variceal bleeding occur.

Symptoms

Cirrhosis may be silent in its early stages but can progress to cause:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Itchy skin
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen (ascites)
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating (hepatic encephalopathy)
  • Spider-like blood vessels on the skin

Complications of Cirrhosis

  • Portal hypertension (increased pressure in the portal vein)
  • Esophageal or gastric varices (dilated veins that can rupture)
  • Ascites and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)
  • Hepatic encephalopathy
  • Hepatorenal syndrome (kidney failure related to liver disease)
  • Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)

Diagnosis

Cirrhosis is typically diagnosed through a combination of:

  • Medical history and physical examination
  • Blood tests (liver enzymes, bilirubin, INR, albumin)
  • Imaging tests (ultrasound, CT, MRI, FibroScan)
  • Liver biopsy (in some cases, to confirm diagnosis and assess severity)

Treatment

There is no cure for cirrhosis, but treatment focuses on:

  • Managing the underlying cause (e.g., antiviral treatment for hepatitis, alcohol cessation)
  • Preventing further liver damage
  • Controlling symptoms and complications
  • Monitoring for liver cancer
  • Liver transplant in advanced cases