What is Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is the end stage of chronic liver disease characterized by extensive scarring (fibrosis) that disrupts normal liver architecture and function. Causes include chronic viral hepatitis (B or C), alcoholic liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated  steatohepatitis (MASH), autoimmune hepatitis, and genetic disorders such as hemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease. As scarring progresses, the liver becomes less able to perform its vital roles in metabolism, detoxification, and synthesis.

Symptoms and Complications

• Early cirrhosis may have no obvious symptoms.
• Fatigue, weakness, and weight loss.
• Itching and mild abdominal discomfort.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
• Ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen) and edema (swelling of the legs).
• Variceal bleeding from enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach.
• Hepatic encephalopathy (confusion or altered consciousness due to toxin buildup).

Diagnosis of Cirrhosis

• Liver function tests, complete blood count, and coagulation studies to assess liver dysfunction and ongoing injury.
• Blood tests to understand cause of liver injury.
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to evaluate liver size, texture, and blood flow.
• Liver elastography to measure liver stiffness and estimate the degree of fibrosis.
• Liver biopsy may be performed to determine the cause and stage of cirrhosis in selected cases.
• Screening for complications such as esophageal varices and liver cancer is essential.

Management of Cirrhosis

• Treat the underlying cause: antiviral therapy for hepatitis B or C, abstinence from alcohol, weight loss for NASH, or immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune hepatitis.
• Manage complications: water pills and fluid drainage for ascites, medications and endoscopic therapy to prevent varices from bleeding, lactulose to decrease toxins in the blood and treat confusion.
• Nutritional support and management of malnutrition.
• Evaluation for liver transplantation for patients with advanced cirrhosis; transplantation offers the only definitive cure.

Our hepatology specialists provide comprehensive care for cirrhosis, focusing on slowing disease progression, preventing complications, and improving quality of life.