Treatment:

Treatment attempts to manage the complications of cirrhosis and prevent further liver damage. It may include stopping certain medications and alcohol that caused the problem.

Other treatment options are available for the complications of cirrhosis:

• Bleeding varices -- upper endoscopy with banding and sclerosis
• Excess abdominal fluid (ascites) -- diuretics, restrict fluid and salt, and remove fluid (paracentesis)
• Coagulopathy -- blood products or vitamin K
• Encephalopathy -- lactulose medication and antibiotics
• Infections -- antibiotics

If cirrhosis progresses and becomes life-threatening, a liver transplant should be considered.

Support Groups:

The stress of illness can often be eased by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See liver disease - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

Cirrhosis is caused by irreversible scarring of the liver. Once cirrhosis develops, it is not possible to heal the liver or return its function to normal. It is a serious condition that can lead to many complications.

A liver specialist (hepatologist) should help evaluate and manage complications. Cirrhosis may result in the need for a liver transplant.

Complications:

• Bleeding disorders (coagulopathy)
• Bleeding esophageal varices
• Build-up of fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and infection of the fluid (bacterial peritonitis)
• Coma
• Hepatic encephalopathy
• Increased pressure in the blood vessels of the liver (portal hypertension)
• Kidney failure (hepatorenal syndrome)
• Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
• Mental confusion or change in the level of consciousness (hepatic encephalopathy)
• Sepsis

A procedure called TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) is sometimes necessary as a result of many of these complications.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

• You develop symptoms of cirrhosis

Call your provider, or go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if:

• You have rapid changes in alertness or consciousness
• You vomit blood