Liver Failure or Cirrhosis

Abdomen | Nephrology | Liver Failure or Cirrhosis (Symptom)


Description

Cirrhosis or liver failure is a complication of many liver diseases characterized by abnormal structure and function of this body. Diseases leading to cirrhosis resulting from the injury and completion of the cells of the liver. inflammation and repair associated with the dying liver cells causes scar tissue to form. Liver cells do not die multiply in an attempt to replace cells that have died. This results in clusters of newly formed liver cells (regenerative nodules) within the scar tissue.

Causes

Alcoholic liver disease usually occurs after years of drinking too much. The longer the alcohol use has occurred, and the more alcohol that was consumed, the greater the likelihood of developing liver disease. Alcohol may cause swelling and inflammation (hepatitis) in the liver. Over time, this can lead to scarring and then cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is the final phase of alcoholic liver disease.

People who drink too much, too often do not get enough healthy foods and nutrients. Poor nutrition may make liver disease worse. Acute alcoholic hepatitis may be caused by binge drinking (five drinks for men, four drinks for women). It may be life-threatening.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Tests to diagnose cirrhosis include: complete blood count (CBC), liver biopsy, liver function tests such as ALP. Tests to rule out other diseases include: abdominal CT scan, blood tests for other causes of liver disease, ultrasound of the abdomen.

The most important part of treatment is to stop using alcohol completely. If liver cirrhosis has not yet occurred, the liver can heal if drinking alcohol is stopped. An alcohol rehabilitation program or counseling may be necessary to break the alcohol addiction. Vitamins, especially B-complex and folic acid, can help reverse malnutrition. If cirrhosis develops, a liver transplant may be needed.

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