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