Liver Disease

Chronic Liver Disease / Cirrhosis

What is chronic liver disease?

Chronic liver disease is marked by the gradual destruction of liver tissue over time. Several liver diseases fall under this category, including:

cirrhosis of the liver
fibrosis of the liver

What is cirrhosis of the liver?

Cirrhosis is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Because of chronic damage to the liver, scar tissue slowly replaces normal functioning liver tissue, progressively diminishing blood flow through the liver. As the normal liver tissue is lost, nutrients, hormones, drugs and poisons are not processed effectively by the liver. In addition, protein production and other substances produced by the liver are inhibited.

What are the symptoms of cirrhosis?

Symptoms of cirrhosis vary, depending on severity. Mild cirrhosis may not exhibit any symptoms at all. The following are the most common symptoms of cirrhosis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

abnormal nerve function
ascites (build-up of fluid in the abdominal cavity)
breast enlargements in men
coughing up or vomiting blood
curling of fingers (Dupuytren's contracture of the palms)
gallstones
hair loss
itching
jaundice
kidney failure
liver encephalopathy
muscle loss
poor appetite
portal hypertension
redness of palms
salivary gland enlargement in cheeks
shrinking of testes
small spider-like veins in skin
weakness
weight loss

The symptoms of cirrhosis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis.

What causes cirrhosis?

The most common cause of cirrhosis is alcohol abuse. Other causes include:

hepatitis and other viruses
use of certain drugs
chemical exposure
bile duct obstruction
autoimmune diseases
obstruction of outflow of blood from the liver (i.e., Budd-Chiari syndrome)
heart and blood vessel disturbances
alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency
high blood galactose levels
high blood tyrosine levels at birth
glycogen storage disease
diabetes
malnutrition
hereditary accumulation of too much copper (Wilson's Disease) or iron (hemochromatosis)

How is cirrhosis diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for cirrhosis may include:

specific laboratory tests
liver function tests
liver biopsy
cholangiography (x-rays of the bile ducts)

Treatment for cirrhosis:

Specific treatment for cirrhosis will be determined by your physicians based on:

your overall health and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Cirrhosis is a progressive liver disease, and damage sustained to the liver is irreversible. However, with proper nutrition, avoidance of certain toxins (i.e., alcohol), vitamin supplementation, and management of cirrhosis complications, further liver damage can often be delayed or stopped. In severe cases of cirrhosis, liver transplantation may be considered.

What is fibrosis?

Fibrosis is the growth of scar tissue due to infection, inflammation, injury, or even healing. The overgrowth of scar tissue can occur in almost any organ. Fibrosis in the liver can inhibit the organ's proper functioning. Liver fibrosis usually results in cirrhosis.

This page was last updated on: February 6, 2008.

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