Liver failure and scarring

Description

Cirrhosis or liver failure and scarring. Disease of the liver that lasts longer period of time and resulting in progressive liver destruction. Normal liverfunction is important for several reasons, including its production of coagulation factors and its role in blood detoxication. In later phases of disease patients have abundant bleeding, and can become confused. Numerous are causes for this disease and the most frequent are alcohol and viral infections. Hepatitis B and C are the most common viral infections linked to this disorder. Less frequent causes of cirrhosis are autoimmune diseases, medicines, hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, easy bleeding, vomiting, confusion, yellowness of the skin, weakness.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being performed. Blood tests are done to determine cause and severity of liver damage. Ultrasound of liver or other scan tests might be recommended.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis and ultrasound.

Additional analyses

Tests on hepatitis, prothrombin time.

Specialists

Gastroenterology

Therapy

Treatment depends on the cause and volume of liver damage, but it can include: diuretics for accumulation of fluids, lactulose for confusion, blood products or vitamin K for bleeding and/or antibiotics for infections.