Liver cirrhosis is a disease characterized by extensive, widespread scarring of the liver that can result from various causes and affect people in different ways, notes Dr. Ernesto Márquez Guillén, a hepatology specialist at ABC Medical Center.
The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) estimates that approximately 5.5 million people worldwide are affected by liver cirrhosis, which causes 26,000 deaths each year.
Liver cirrhosis is classified into two stages:
- Compensated stage: at this point, the person has already been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis but hasn’t shown any symptoms or complications, since liver function is still relatively preserved.
- Decompensated stage: the disease begins to show clear signs, marked by a range of complications that affect both the patient’s health and quality of life. Once someone reaches the decompensated stage, they may experience complications such as:
- Ascites: the abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity, and the most common complication among people with liver cirrhosis. Ascites causes noticeable abdominal swelling and can also lead to swelling in the legs.
- Bleeding from esophageal varices: due to the hardening of the cirrhotic liver, a network of abnormal veins forms leading to the esophagus; these veins experience significant internal pressure, and as it builds, they can eventually rupture, causing bleeding that may show up as vomiting blood or blood in the stool.
- Hepatic encephalopathy: the cirrhotic liver is unable to eliminate certain naturally occurring toxins; the buildup of these toxins in the blood affects certain areas of the brain, causing symptoms ranging from subtle signs like a slight hand tremor to more serious effects such as disorientation, confusion, or even coma.
- Other complications: to a lesser extent, patients may also experience significant loss of body mass, a weakened immune system that increases susceptibility to bacterial or viral infections, or intense itching.
Cirrhosis-related complications can be prevented, notes Dr. Márquez, but achieving this requires a multidisciplinary approach to care, along with managing the underlying causes that led to the patient’s cirrhosis in the first place.
Some patients may need support managing alcohol dependence or specific antiviral treatment, as in cases caused by hepatitis B or C infection; if cirrhosis is caused by fatty liver disease, a multidisciplinary approach will be needed to achieve appropriate weight loss.
It’s also very important to follow a nutrition plan guided by a dietitian specialized in cirrhosis care, take preventive steps such as staying up to date on vaccinations, and continue ongoing medical monitoring throughout life.
Although liver cirrhosis is a complex disease, there are various medical interventions, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, that can significantly help improve a person’s quality of life.
At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine area, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
