10: Adult Cirrhosis Flashcards
Asterixis is a sign of what?
Liver failure (hepatic encephalopathy)
Early manifestations of cirrhosis.
- Anorexia
- Bowel changes
- Dyspepsia
- N/V
Late manifestations of cirrhosis.
- Jaundice
- Skin lesions
- Hematologic problems (coagulation)
- Endocrine disturbances
- Peripheral neuropathy
At end-stage, liver transplant is an option. What must alcoholics do to qualify?
ETOH abstinence for at least 1 year.
Musty breath caused by dimethyl sulfide that can be present in cirrhosis.
Fetor Hepaticus
What is the pathogenesis of cirrhosis?
- Chronic progressive disease that replaces liver tissue with scar tissue (fibrosis) and regenerative nodules.
- Leads to buildup of too much fluid for the liver to process (ascites, disregulation of other abd organs, portal HTN).
4 causes of cirrhosis.
- Hep B (30%)
- Hep C (27%)
- ETOH (20%)
- Fatty liver disease
Long-term management for cirrhosis.
- Lifestyle modifications:
- No alcohol
- Low-fat, unprocessed foods
- <2 portions of red meat/week
- Meds:
- Diuretics
- Beta Blockers
- Liver transplant
Disregulated blood flow through the liver in cirrhosis causes pressure to back up and creates _____.
Disregulated blood flow through the liver in cirrhosis causes pressure to back up and creates portal HTN.
Why does cirrhosis cause peripheral neuropathy?
Deficiencies in thiamine (B1) and other B vitamins
Portal HTN can lead to what 4 things?
- Splenomegaly
- Esophageal varices
- Coagulation changes (don’t clot well)
- Hepatic encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy is a buildup of _____ in the system that causes delirium, changes in sleep, and changes in personality.
Hepatic encephalopathy is a buildup of ammonia in the system that causes delirium, changes in sleep, and changes in personality.
