Liver cirrhosis is a state of prolonged liver inflammation that leads to fibrosis, a process in which healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue, forming regenerative nodules that in turn cause portal hypertension, leading to complications affecting the organ, notes Dr. Esteban de Icaza del Río, gastroenterologist and endoscopy specialist at ABC Medical Center.
Mexico’s Social Security Institute (IMSS) reports that liver cirrhosis is the fourth leading cause of death in Mexico.
The leading cause of liver cirrhosis is excessive alcohol consumption, followed by viral infections such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C. To a lesser extent, it can also result from metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, which can be linked to obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, or high blood pressure.
In fewer cases, it can also stem from autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, or primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Liver cirrhosis can be classified into two stages:
- Compensated (asymptomatic): at this stage, the condition is stable, and the person shows no significant symptoms.
- Decompensated: the person begins to show initial symptoms, typically including weakness, fatigue, weight loss, changes in mental status, fluid retention in the abdomen, and hepatic encephalopathy, the inability to properly clear toxins from the blood, which ultimately affects the central nervous system and can lead to disorientation or other neurological effects.
Once a person progresses to decompensated cirrhosis, the risk of hospitalization increases, along with a decline in quality of life and higher mortality, notes Dr. de Icaza.
Diagnosing liver cirrhosis requires a medical evaluation that includes lab tests, liver function tests, coagulation studies, and any other tests the doctor deems necessary based on clinical suspicion.
Additionally, an ultrasound, elastography, or endoscopy may be performed to check for esophageal varices, which can help detect fibrosis and determine whether the condition has progressed to cirrhosis.
Once diagnosed, treatment will be determined based on how advanced the disease is, notes Dr. de Icaza. The first step is addressing the underlying cause, for example, eliminating alcohol consumption if that’s the source. For cases caused by viral hepatitis, medications are now available with a cure rate of over 90%.
Managing obesity, if present, through diet and exercise, as well as controlling diabetes, high blood pressure, or dyslipidemia, are also important steps.
For very advanced cases of liver cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be needed.
Liver cirrhosis is a disease that can be prevented or caught early, which can significantly improve a person’s quality of life. If you have any risk factors, see a doctor to check on your overall health.
At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine area, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
