Cirrhosis overview: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
|||
| Line 21: | Line 21: | ||
==Risk Factors== | ==Risk Factors== | ||
==Overview== | |||
Certain aspects of [[genetics]] and [[lifestyle]] can put someone at risk for cirrhosis. Chronic alcohol use, or the development of a fatty liver can put one at risk for cirrhosis. Genetic diseases such as [[cystic fibrosis]], and [[hemochromatosis]], and not genetic diseases such as [[hepatitis B]] and [[hepatitis C]], are also significant risk factors for the development of cirrhosis. | |||
==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis== | ==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis== | ||
Revision as of 13:04, 7 September 2012
|
Cirrhosis Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case studies |
|
Cirrhosis overview On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Cirrhosis overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease characterized by the replacement of liver tissue by fibrotic scar tissue as well as regenerative nodules, leading to progressive loss of liver function. Cirrhosis is most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C, but has many other possible causes.
Ascites (fluid retention in the abdominal cavity) is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infection, and a poor long-term outcome. Other potentially life-threatening complications are hepatic encephalopathy (confusion and coma) and bleeding from esophageal varices. Cirrhosis is generally irreversible once it occurs, and treatment generally focuses on preventing progression and complications. In advanced stages of cirrhosis the only option is a liver transplant.
Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis occurs due to long term liver injury which causes an imbalance between matrix production and degradation. Early disruption of the normal hepatic matrix results in its replacement by scar tissue, which in turn has deleterious effects on cell function.
Causes
There are a wide range of causes for cirrhosis, including alcohol abuse, genetic diseases, cardiac causes, toxins, viruses, and malnutrition. The consequence to the liver is the same in all cases however, with the functioning liver tissue being replaced by non-functioning scar tissue.
Differentiating Cirrhosis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
The most common cause of cirrhosis in the United States is chronic and heavy alcohol use, while the most common cause of cirrhosis worldwide is the hepatitis virus. Cirrhosis and liver disease is the 10th leading cause of death in men, and the 12th leading cause of death in women.
Risk Factors
Overview
Certain aspects of genetics and lifestyle can put someone at risk for cirrhosis. Chronic alcohol use, or the development of a fatty liver can put one at risk for cirrhosis. Genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, and hemochromatosis, and not genetic diseases such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C, are also significant risk factors for the development of cirrhosis.