Cirrhosis

Question 1

What organ is affected by cirrhosis?

Answer 1

cirrhosis is a disease that affects the liver

Question 2

Generally speaking, what is cirrhosis?

Answer 2

end stage liver disease

Question 3

What happens to the liver in its appearance when someone has cirrhosis?

Answer 3

the liver appears nodular due to the fibrosis

Question 4

Using one word, what is the underlying pathological change in cirrhosis?

Answer 4

fibrosis

Question 5

What are the two primary problems that occur in cirrhosis?

Answer 5

1) decreased liver function

2) portal hypertension

Question 6

What causes cirrhosis? (6)

Answer 6

1) alcohol abuse (60-70%)
2) hepatitis
3) drugs
4) biliary diseases
5) metabolic disorders (ex. hemochromatosis)
6) cryptogenic (aka idiopathic)

Question 7

What are the 5 pathological issues occurring in cirrhosis?

Answer 7

1) hepatocytes are destroyed, they usually regenerate but when destruction outpaces them fibrous scar tissue forms around them
2) fibrous tissue pushes on blood vessels in the liver, constricting the vessels, impeding perfusion and causing portal hypertention, which leads to a fluid shift and ascites
3) ducts are also constricted, impeding bile flow and causing bile stasis, leading to other complications
4) there is a decrease in metabolic waste clearance, which can cause toxins to build up in the blood
5) liver failure

Question 8

What are the manifestations of cirrhosis?

Answer 8

• common: anorexia, weakness, weight loss
• hepatomegaly
• jaundice in some cases

Question 9

What are complications of cirrhosis?

Answer 9

• portal hypertension and ascites
• varices (dilation of an associated vein) and GI bleeds (if varices rupture)
• splenomegaly

Question 10

How is cirrhosis treated?

Answer 10

• maximize regeneration of hepatocytes by decreasing their workload:
  1) change diet (high calorie, low fat)
  2) no alcohol or hepatotoxic drugs
• treat complications