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Fibrosis of the Liver

Fibrosis of the liver is a histological change resulting from inflammation of the liver most commonly caused by hepatitis B, C or excessive alcohol intake. During this stage more than normal amounts of collagen fiber are deposited into spaces of the liver cells, reducing the flow of blood and causing the liver to harden. When fibrosis progresses to bridging (fibrous separations) between the portal areas and the center vein, it enters the final stage, which is cirrhosis. Due to the fact that fibrosis of the liver is a result of different conditions, it can be controlled or partially reversed if the cause can be treated or eliminated effectively. The severity of liver fibrosis is classified into four stages:

Stage 1 mild fibrosis, only in portal area
Stage 2 moderate fibrosis, between the portal areas
Stage 3 severe fibrosis with fibrous bridging between portal areas and center vein
Stage 4 in addition to the S3 changes, there are now pseudo-lobules formed

Cirrhosis is developed from fibrosis and although different, they are closely related.

At present, the most accurate way to diagnose the stages of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis is through a liver biopsy.

Note: Stages are important if considering treatment and should be discussed with your doctor.

CIRRHOSIS

Liver Facts

The liver is the largest organ in your body, weighing about three pounds. It is located in the upper right side of the body underneath your lower rib cage. A healthy liver is soft and smooth and is connected to the small intestines by the bile duct.

Almost all of the blood that leaves your stomach and intestines passes through your liver; thus, it is your body's largest factory and has thousands of functions. The liver ...

  • Stores the nutrients that fuel your muscles
  • Maintains normal blood sugar levels
  • Produces blood clotting factors, bile and other digestive enzymes (proteins)
  • Regulates various hormones
  • Metabolizes your cholesterol
  • Detoxifies drugs and other poisonous chemicals, including alcohol

What Is Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is the term given for the advanced-stage of various chronic liver diseases. Cirrhosis occurs when healthy liver cells die and are replaced by scars. At this stage the normal structure of the liver is compromised as scar tissue obstructs the flow of blood through the organ. Like fibrosis, cirrhosis has stages that range from 1 to 4 and are a significant factor when considering treatment and should be discussed with your doctor.

What Causes Cirrhosis?

The following conditions can lead to cirrhosis:

  • Chronic viral hepatitis B, C or D
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Hereditary or congenital diseases (eg. Autoimmune, Hemochromatosis, Wilson's)
  • Fatty liver
  • Severe reaction to medications
  • Prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals
  • Obstruction or other diseases of the bile ducts (eg. biliary cirrhosis)
  • Schistosomiasis (parasite infection)

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) "In the United States, alcoholism and hepatitis C are the most common causes of cirrhosis." Cirrhosis is the twelfth leading cause of death, killing approximately 27,000 people each year. The 5 most common liver disease are: Fatty Liver, Chronic Viral Hepatitis, Alcoholic Cirrhosis, Liver Cancer and Autoimmune Hepatitis.

What are the Signs of Cirrhosis?

Most people discover their condition through routine laboratory tests or a physical examination. In the early stages of cirrhosis symptoms can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Enlargement of the liver
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Abdominal pain

As the liver develops advanced cirrhosis the following symptoms may occur:

  • Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen due to obstruction of blood circulation through the liver
  • Encephalopathy: Confusion and/or forgetfulness caused by buildup of toxins in the blood, which may progressively advance into a coma
  • Jaundice: Yellow discoloration ofthe whites of the eyes and skin due to the accumulation of bile
  • Kidney Failure
  • Pruritus: Itching of the skin due to bile retention
  • Variceal Bleeding: Vomiting ofblood and/or black stools due to the spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage from varices (large veins)
  • Sensitivity to side effects ofcertain drugs due to the poor function of the liver

Note: Advance cirrhosis can also lead to Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).

Is There Treatment for Cirrhosis?

Presently, there is no specific treatment for cirrhosis, however there is treatment for certain causes of cirrhosis. The goal is to prevent the development or to stop the progression of cirrhosis, reverse to any extent possible the damage caused and, treat disabling or life-threatening complications. In alcoholic cirrhosis, it is recommended to abstain from alcohol intake. In cirrhosis due to viral hepatitis, treatment involves medications such as interferon or combination therapy (Pegylated Interferon & Ribavirin) which helps to improve the immune systems response and helps fight off the virus. However, when advanced cirrhosis results in liver failure, replacing the organ through liver transplantation is the final alternative.

© Copyright 2006 - Latino Organization for liver Awareness