Liver Cirrhosis
Defination
Risk factors
Causes
Is the complication of the liver disease that involves loss of the liver cells and irreversible scarring of the liver.
infection such as hepatitis B, C, and D which are causing inflammation in the liver and low grade damage to the
Infections more especial with hepatitis c virus causes the inflamation.
Exposure to chemicals such as toxins, smoke, parasitic infections and certain harmful heat.
pathophysiology
In cirrhosis , the liver varies in appearance. The most prominent feature is a nodular consistency with bands of fibrous scar tissue and small areas of regenerating tissue
Bile duct obstruction when bile duct are blocked they stagnate and damage the liver tissue.
Chronic excessive alcohol intake
Fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
Chronic hepatitis C
Inherited diseases
Autoimmune liver disease (autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis
Chronic hepatitis B
Wilson disease, hemochromatosis and other rare inherited liver diseases
diseases like autoimmune hepatitis damages the liver and cause the scaring and inflammation
The fibrotic changes in the liver distort the hepatic structure, resulting in the obstruction of the splanchnic veins and portal blood flow
Healthy information
this obstruction causes problem such as fluid retention, increasing oedema, ascites and hydrothorax
Avoid infections. Cirrhosis makes it more difficult for you to fight off infections. Protect yourself by washing your hands frequently. Also, get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, influenza, and pneumonia.
Clinical manifastation
Anaemia due to inadequate red blood cells
The portal pressure increases and this together with congestion of splanchnic veins results in splenomegaly and altered functioning of the spleen, which can cause leukopenia, thrombocytopeniaand anemia
Eat a healthy diet.
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Use over-the-counter medications carefully
Renal failure
Splenomegally result from breaking back of the blood to the hepatic portal vein
Recurrent symptoms of hepatitis
Eat a low-sodium diet. Excess salt can cause your body to retain fluids, worsening swelling in your abdomen and legs. Use herbs for seasoning your food, rather than salt. Choose prepared foods that are low in sodium.
portal hypertension increases venous pressure, vascular haemostasis, haemorrhoids, varitode vein and oesophogeal varices
Hepatic encephalopathy and coma as the liver is unable to remove ammonia that accumulate to level toxic to the brain
The liver fail to metabolise oestrogen, causing gynneacomastia ( enlarged breast ) in males
Haemorrhoids internal vein dilates with the pressure of portal hypertension
Diagnostic test
full blood count
ultrasound
liver biopsy
liver scan and radioisotope scans to determine liver size
MRI
Don't drink alcohol. Whether your cirrhosis was caused by chronic alcohol use or another disease, avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol may cause further liver damage.
Management
assessment findings and symptoms
Maximise liver function by improving the diet discouraging alcohol intake, controlling infection, encouraging adequate rest
at early stage
anorexia, nausea and vomiting, dyspepsia and change in bowel habits
abdominal pain, which is described as a dull heavy feeling in the right upper quadrant
Control disabling symptoms
fever lassitude, slight weight loss and enlargement of liver and spleen
Eliminating or restricting protein intake as ordered
Corticosteroids may be given
prolonged clotting period