04/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/04/2024 05:10
Liver cirrhosis, a condition marked by the histological development of regenerative nodules enveloped by fibrous bands, is an outcome of prolonged liver injury. Its progression not only leads to portal hypertension but also culminates in end-stage liver disease. However, recent strides in comprehending its natural history and underlying pathophysiology, alongside advancements in managing its complications, have heralded a new era of hope for those afflicted. Today, the management of cirrhosis has improved significantly, enhancing the quality of life and survival expectancy for patients grappling with this ailment.
Liver cirrhosis has multiple causes, including:
Liver cirrhosis is a progressive condition that presents a spectrum of symptoms, varying from an initially silent early stage to more pronounced signs in later phases. The collective impact of these symptoms and complications creates a substantial burden on both patients and the healthcare system.
Diagnosing liver cirrhosis is a multifaceted process, as no single test can definitively confirm the condition. Instead, a comprehensive approach is adopted that combines several liver function tests. The following are standard tests used to diagnose liver cirrhosis.
Liver Panel: Initial screening involves a comprehensive panel of tests, including alanine transaminase; aspartate transaminase; alkaline phosphatase; gamma-glutamyl transferase; total, direct, and indirect serum bilirubin; and serum albumin levels.
Complete Blood Count With Platelet Count: A platelet count of less than 160,000 per mm3 might indicate cirrhosis, especially in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Prothrombin Time or International Normalized Ratio: It evaluates blood clotting function, which is often impaired in cirrhosis due to decreased production of clotting factors by the liver.
Imaging Studies:Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used to visualize liver abnormalities, such as nodules or signs of portal hypertension.
Liver Biopsy: An invasive biopsy may be performed to confirm cirrhosis, assess its severity, and identify the underlying cause.
Liver cirrhosis can remain compensated for many years before progressing to a decompensation state characterized by jaundice, ascites, encephalopathy, or variceal bleeding. The median survival period of patients with compensated cirrhosis is significantly longer compared to those with signs of decompensation, averaging around nine years.
The management of compensated cirrhosis primarily focuses on three main objectives:
By focusing on these three management pillars, healthcare providers can effectively prolong the compensated phase of cirrhosis, improve the quality of life of the patients, and reduce the risk of decompensating events. Here are some of the treatment techniques used for managing liver cirrhosis.
The treating doctors ensure adequate blood flow to the portal vein through procedures that induce portal vein thrombosis. They also use anticoagulants or interventional techniques to treat portal vein thrombosis and prevent complications such as portal hypertension and variceal bleeding.
Malnutrition can affect up to 80% of cirrhotic patients. It might be characterized by protein, energy, or mixed deficiencies. Adequate calorie and protein intake prevents complications like ascites and infections.
Regular follow-ups, including clinic visits and lab assessments, are essential for monitoring disease progression. Patient education plays a pivotal role in enhancing disease management and improving outcomes.
Palliative care is recommended for severe illnesses. It involves giving medical care to improve the symptoms, reduce treatment costs, and potentially prolong patient survival.
Liver cirrhosis is a severe condition that can be prevented or managed with lifestyle changes and proactive measures. Some key points to consider are as follows:
Lifestyle changes take time to show results. Consistency is critical to maintaining a healthy liver. By implementing these preventive measures and lifestyle changes, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of developing liver cirrhosis and improve overall liver health.
Hospitals: Cancer Hospital in Delhi | Best Heart Hospital in Delhi | Hospital in Amritsar | Hospital in Ludhiana | Hospitals in Mohali | Hospital in Faridabad | Hospitals in Gurgaon | Best Hospital in Jaipur | Hospitals in Greater Noida | Hospitals in Noida | Best Kidney Hospital in Kolkata | Best Hospital in Kolkata | Hospitals in Rajajinagar Bangalore | Hospitals in Richmond Road Bangalore | Hospitals in Nagarbhavi Bangalore | Hospital in Kalyan West | Hospitals in Mulund |
Doctors: Dr. Rana Patir | Dr. Rajesh Benny | Dr. Rahul Bhargava |Dr. Jayant Arora | Dr. Anoop Misra | Dr. Manu Tiwari | Dr. Praveer Agarwal | Dr. Arup Ratan Dutta | Dr. Meenakshi Ahuja | Dr. Anoop Jhurani | Dr. Shivaji Basu | Dr. Subhash Jangid | Dr. Atul Mathur | Dr. Gurinder Bedi | Dr. Monika Wadhawan | Dr. Debasis Datta | Dr. Shrinivas Narayan | Dr. Praveen Gupta | Dr. Nitin Jha | Dr. Raghu Nagaraj
Specialities: Heart Lung Transplant | Orthopedic|