Liver Cirrhosis Flashcards
What is it?
• chronic
• fibrosis - scaring of liver tissue
• permanent/irreversible
Liver cirrhosis affects blood flow, what can this result in?
• portal hypertension
• bleeding esophagus
• fluid retention
Symptoms?
• weight loss
• malnutrition
• bleeding gums
• breast enlargement in men
• clay coloured stool
• swelling in legs
• abdominal pain
Causes?
• alcohol
• fats
• autoimmune
• hepatitis
• copper accumulation
Diagnosis?
• blood and urine test
• ultrasound
• Biopsy
• CT scan
• physical examination
Types of liver cirrhosis
• alcohol induced
• bile cirrhosis
• post-necrotic
Is alcohol induced liver cirrhosis reversible or irreversible
Reversible - if drinking stops
What is compensated liver cirrhosis?
• The liver adapts damage
• continues to function with few/no symptoms
What is decompensated liver cirrhosis?
Liver function is impaired with noticeable symptoms
Is there a cure?
No
Management/treatment options?
• lifestyle: reduce alcohol, reduce weight if over weight, hygiene to prevent infections
• diuretics
• antivirals
• vaccinations
• liver transplant
Which drug can help manage bleeding gums?
Propranolol
Bleeding occurs due to liver failing to make blood clots, what is the treatment for this?
Vitamin K
Encephalopathy is a complication of liver cirrhosis - describe what this is
Brain is unable to clear out toxins properly due to liver cirrhosis
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a complication of liver cirrhosis, what is this
Cancer of the liver
Cirrhosis classification system - stage 1
Compensated
No Ascites
No varices
Cirrhosis classification system - stage 2
Compensated
No Ascites
Yes varices
Cirrhosis classification system - stage 3
Decompensated
Ascites -/+ varices
Cirrhosis classification system - stage 4
Decompensated
Bleeding -/+ Ascites
Pathiopysiology of Portal HTN
Due to damage of the liver (cirrhosis), there is a resistance in blood flow in portal vein. This increase the blood pressure.
Blood struggles to travel through the liver, so the body forms collateral veins around the liver, to bypass the obstructed blood flow, which end up twisting and rupture leading bleeding variceals.
Also due to the increase pressure portal vein, fluid leaked into the lower abdominal cavity, accumulating in the lower abdomen, results in Ascties.
Treatment? Of portal hypertension
Bleeding vercites- propranolol
Ascities - duiretics
Diagnosing?
• endoscopy
• hx
• biopsy
