Diseases
hepatic cirrhosis
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Cirrhosis is scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by long-term liver damage. The scar tissue prevents the liver working properly. Cirrhosis is sometimes called end-stage liver disease because it happens after other stages of damage from conditions that affect the liver, such as hepatitis.
Symptoms
- easily bleeding or bruising
- loss of appetite
- swelling in the legs, feet or ankles (edema)
- yellow discoloration in the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- itchy skin, and spiderlike blood vessels on the skin
Causes
- chronic alcohol abuse
- chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis b, c and d)
- fat accumulating in the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease)
Risk factors
- drinking too much alcohol.
- being overweight.
- having viral hepatitis
Diagnosis
- laboratory tests.
- imaging tests.
- biopsy.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is hepatic cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by long-term liver damage. The scar tissue prevents the liver working properly. Cirrhosis is sometimes called end-stage liver disease because it happens after other stages of damage from conditions that affect the liver, such as hepatitis.
What are the symptoms of hepatic cirrhosis?
easily bleeding or bruising, loss of appetite, swelling in the legs, feet or ankles (edema), yellow discoloration in the skin and eyes (jaundice), itchy skin, and spiderlike blood vessels on the skin
What causes hepatic cirrhosis?
chronic alcohol abuse; chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis b, c and d); fat accumulating in the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease)
Which medicines are used for hepatic cirrhosis?
silymarin, torsemide
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