Cirrhosis Flashcards
What happens to the liver in cirrhosis
undergoes structural changes and fails to function
Stellate cells
produce abundant amounts of collagen when activated by cell injury –> creates fibrous tissue
What does an increase in collagen do
increases liver density and changes in the liver structure
What do changes in liver structure interfere with
hepatocyte function
Hepatocyte
the major parenchymal cells in the liver, responsible for a variety of cellular functions including carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism, detoxification and immune cell activation to maintain liver homeostasis
What does cirrhosis impact
portal hypertension, decreased detoxification, decreased bile synthesis, decreased albumin synthesis, hyperbilirubinemia, bleeding of esophageal varices, coaguloapthy, osteoporosis, hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, iron overload, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatorenal syndrome
Most common causes
hepatitis C, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
What is portal hypertension
increased resistance within the portal vein
What does the portal vein drain
the venous circulation of the GI system, empties into the inferior vena cava
Symptom of portal hypertension
dilated, superficial veins become visible around the umbilicus - caput medusa
What does built up pressure in the portal vein cause (symptoms)
back-up of pressure into the GI veins and collaterals producing splenomegaly, esophageal varices, rectal varices, and ascites
Splenomegaly
enlargement of the spleen
Varices
enlarged veins
What veins are the most fragile and prone to rupture in portal hypertension, and why
rectal and esophageal due to varices
Diagnosis
decreased platelet count, elevated bilirubin, prolonged prothrombin time, elevated liver enzymes, decreased RBCs, structural liver changes found in biopsy
