Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a liver disease that includes liver hardening and fibrosis.

Causes

• Excessive alcohol intake

• Hepatitis B, C

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (as seen in obesity).

• Wilson disease

• Hemochromatosis

• Autoimmune hepatitis

Symptoms

Many patients can remain asymptomatic and are diagnosed based on blood tests. Symptoms include:

• Weakness and tiredness

• Vomiting with blood

• Fluid in the abdomen (ascites)

• Feet swelling (pedal edema)

• Black stool

• Altered behavior

• Unconsciousness

• Decreased urine output

Diagnosis

Cirrhosis is confirmed based on these investigations:

• Ultrasonography

• Fibroscan

• LFT

• Liver Biopsy

• CT scan

• MRI

Treatment

• Management of complications

• The nutritional diet rich in protein and calories

• Diuretics and salt restriction to minimize fluid accumulation

• Management of variceal bleeding by beta-blockers, and banding

• Management of hepatic encephalopathy by L-ornithine L-Aspartate and laxatives

• Liver transplant for management of advanced liver disease

Reversal of disease by etiology-oriented therapy

• Stop alcohol consumption

• Antiviral drugs in case of hepatitis B and C

• Autoimmune Hepatitis by steroid therapy

• Copper chelation in case of Wilson disease

• Iron chelation for Hemochromatosis

Need Expert Medical Guidance for Cirrhosis?

Consult University Gold Medalist Dr. Ankita Gupta at Gastro Liver Endoscopy Centre, Greater Kailash-I, New Delhi for customized diagnostic evaluations.