Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the final phase of chronic liver disease.
Cirrhosis is the end result of chronic liver damage caused by chronic liver diseases. Common causes of chronic liver disease in the United States include:
Other causes of cirrhosis include:
Symptoms may develop gradually, or there may be no symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they can include:
During a physical examination the health care provider may find:
Tests can reveal liver problems including:
The following tests may be used to evaluate the liver:
A liver biopsy confirms cirrhosis.
Some patients will be screened for liver cancer. Your doctor will use a blood test to check for levels of alpha fetoprotein and will do an imaging test (ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan).
All patients with cirrhosis can benefit from certain lifestyle changes, including:
Other treatment options are available for the complications of cirrhosis:
A procedure called transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is sometimes needed for bleeding varices or ascites.
When cirrhosis progresses to end-stage liver disease, patients may be candidates for a liver transplant.
You can often ease the stress of illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See liver disease - support group.
Cirrhosis is caused by irreversible scarring of the liver. Once cirrhosis develops, it is not possible to heal the liver or return its function to normal. It is a serious condition that can lead to many complications.
A gastroenterologist or liver specialist (hepatologist) should help evaluate and manage complications. Cirrhosis may result in the need for a liver transplant.
Call your health care provider if:
Call your provider, go to the emergency room, or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have:
Don't drink alcohol heavily. If you find that your drinking is getting out of hand, seek professional help.
Measures for preventing the transmission of hepatitis B or C include:
Liver cirrhosis; Cryptogenic chronic liver disease
Garcia-Tsao G, Lim JK; Members of Veterans Affairs Hepatitis C Resource Center Program. Management and treatment of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension: recommendations from the Department of Veterans Affairs Hepatitis C Resource Center Program and the National Hepatitis C Program. Am J Gastroenterol. 2009;104:1802-1829.
Garcia-Tsao G. Cirrhosis and its sequelae. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 156.
Mehta G, Rothstein KD. Health maintenance issues in cirrhosis. Med Clin North Am. 2009;93:901-915.
Updated by: George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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