Hepatocirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis

Hepatocirrhosis

• Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease characterized by replacement of liver tissue by fibrosis, scar tissue and regenerative nodules (lumps that occur as a result of a process in which damaged tissue is regenerated), leading to loss of liver function.

• Cirrhosis is a condition that results from permanent damage or scarring of the liver. This leads to a blockage of blood flow through the liver and prevents normal metabolic and regulatory processes.

Hepatocirrhosis

• Early symptoms:• People in the early stages of cirrhosis have few

symptoms. Some symptoms an individual may notice include:

• loss of appetite • nausea • weight loss • fatigue • weakness • exhaustion

Hepatocirrhosis

• Symptoms in the later stages:• Jaundice occurs• Swelling of the liver and the spleen. • Varices• Swelling or fluid buildup of the legs (edema)

and in the abdomen (ascites)• Coma

Hepatocirrhosis

Diagnosis:• identifiable symptoms • physical examination • CT scan• ultrasound • liver biopsy

Hepatocirrhosis• Treatment: • Treatments of cirrhosis are aimed at stopping or delaying the

disease progress, minimizing liver cell damage and reducing complications.

• When cirrhosis is caused by alcohol, the patient must stop drinking to halt the progression of the disease. Cirrhosis caused by viral hepatitis may be treated with antiviral drugs to reduce liver cell injury. Medications can be given to control the symptoms of cirrhosis. For example, drugs called "diuretics" are used to remove excess fluid and to prevent edema and ascites from recurring. Combined diet and drug therapy can improve altered mental function. For instance, decreasing dietary protein results in less toxin formation in the digestive tract.