Liver SA

Question 1

What is Cirrhosis?

Answer 1

Chronic inflammation of the liver resulting in complete distruption of the liver’s normal architecture

Question 2

Causes of Cirrhosis:

Answer 2

• chronic alcohol intake
• non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• hepatitis
• autoimmune diseases
• heart failure
• iron-overload (hemochromatosis)
• biliary disease

Question 3

Consequences of Cirrhosis:

Answer 3

• increased risk of cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). there are usually many cancers in a cirrhotic liver due to massive proliferation of hepacytes
• portal hypertension -> formation of oesophageal vericose veins (varices) & haemorrhoids which may rupture -> severe blood loss
• increases ammonia in blood -> Encephalopathy -> distruption of the CNS & potentially coma & death

Question 4

How does Liver Failure worsen the affects of Cirrhosis?

Answer 4

Cirrhosis causes congestino -> increase hydrostatic pressure -> oedema & acites
LF decreases synthesis of proteins -> decreased colloidal pressure worsening oedema & acites

Cirrhosis -> congested veins prone to rupture
LF -> decreases synthesis of clotting factors & vitamin K, LF reduces ability to clot so if it haemorrhging or bleeding occurs.

Question 5

How does Cirrhosis cause Liver Failure?

Answer 5

As cirrhosis progresses, more and more scar tissue forms, making it difficult for the liver to function