Liver cirrhosis refers to a shrunken, scarred and hardened liver with failure of liver function. The condition results from chronic (long-term) damage to the liver from various causes such as chronic viral hepatitis infection (chronic hepatitis B or C), fatty liver disease, excessive alcohol intake, and autoimmune liver disease.
Liver cirrhosis is a serious condition because once the liver becomes cirrhotic, the damage to the liver is irreversible and can lead to complications of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and eventual death.
Patients with early liver cirrhosis often have no detectable symptoms or signs of disease. Such patients may feel completely well and healthy and are often diagnosed based on abnormal blood tests or liver scans. This condition is known as compensated cirrhosis, which is associated with a favorable median survival of more than 10 years. Patients with early, compensated cirrhosis are often diagnosed on regular ultrasound screening during follow-up for chronic liver disease (e.g. chronic viral hepatitis or fatty liver disease).
Patients with more advanced liver cirrhosis may develop the following signs and symptoms:
Portal hypertension is a common complication of liver cirrhosis. It refers to increased blood pressure in the blood vessels supplying the liver (the portal vein). The hardened liver obstructs blood flow from the portal vein, leading to elevated pressures in the portal vein. This results in enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly), development of swollen veins in the stomach and esophagus (varices) and accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
Most of the symptoms and signs of liver cirrhosis are a result of the development of portal hypertension.
You should seek medical attention if you have a history of chronic liver disease, heavy alcohol use or hepatitis infection, even if you are not experiencing symptoms. Early detection of liver cirrhosis can help manage the condition before complications arise.
Additionally, if you notice any unusual changes in your overall health, such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), it is important to consult a doctor. Regular check-ups are also crucial for individuals at risk of developing these conditions to prevent disease progression.
Preventing liver cirrhosis involves taking steps to protect liver health and reduce the risk of conditions that lead to these complications. Here are key preventive measures:
Liver cirrhosis is primarily caused by chronic liver damage from various conditions that directly affect liver tissue and its function. These causes include:
You may be at risk of liver cirrhosis if you have one of the following conditions:
Liver cirrhosis is diagnosed via the following modalities:
The doctor may suspect liver cirrhosis in people with risk factors for cirrhosis who have abnormal blood tests, abnormal liver imaging or one of the signs and symptoms listed above.
Liver imaging is highly specific for the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis in which the liver has a shrunken and nodular appearance. Early cirrhosis is more difficult to diagnose as these patients may show a normal liver image during the scan. Early cirrhosis is often diagnosed by liver stiffness measurement (Fibroscan®). Sometimes a liver biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis of early cirrhosis.
Patients with liver cirrhosis will benefit from the following treatment which include:
While cirrhosis itself cannot be fully reversed, early detection and treatment can slow its progression and manage symptoms.
Yes, by avoiding excessive alcohol use, preventing viral hepatitis and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis.
Life expectancy depends on the stage of cirrhosis and how well it is managed. Early-stage cirrhosis (compensated) has a better prognosis, often over 10 years, while advanced stages can lead to a shorter life expectancy.
View more information about cirrhosis medication here:
Cirrhosis Medication (English).pdf
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth.
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Department of Dietetics
Department
Department of Surgery
Department
Gastroenterology and Hepatology Service
Department
Gastroenterology and Hepatology
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