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Cirrhosis

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Definition:

Cirrhosis is the result of chronic liver disease that causes scarring of the liver and liver dysfunction. This often has many complications, including accumulation of fluid in the abdomen ( ascites ), bleeding disorders ( coagulopathy ), increased pressure in the blood vessels of the liver (portal hypertension ), and confusion or a change in the level of consciousness ( hepatic encephalopathy ).

Alternative Names:

Liver cirrhosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Cirrhosis is caused by chronic liver disease. Common causes of chronic liver disease in the US include hepatitis C  infection and long-term alcohol abuse  (see Alcoholic liver disease ). Other causes of cirrhosis include hepatitis B, medications, autoimmune inflammation of the liver, disorders of the drainage system of the liver (the biliary system), and metabolic disorders of iron and copper (hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease).

• Review Date: 5/4/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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