Cirrhosis

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Clubbing

Digestive system

Digestive system organs

Liver cirrhosis, CT scan

Liver cirrhosis

Treatment is directed at managing the complications of cirrhosis and preventing further liver damage.

• Offending medications and alcohol are stopped.
• Bleeding varices are treated by upper endoscopy with banding or sclerosis.
• Ascites (excess abdominal fluid) is treated with diuretics, fluid and salt restriction, and removal of fluid (paracentesis).
• Coagulopathy may be treated with blood products or vitamin K.
• Encephalopathy is treated with the medication lactulose -- sometimes antibiotics are used and patients should avoid a diet high in protein.
• Infections are treated with antibiotics.
• If cirrhosis progresses and becomes life-threatening, a liver transplant should be considered.

The stress of illness can often be eased by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See liver disease - support group.

Survival depends on the severity of complications of cirrhosis and the underlying causes.

• Bleeding esophageal varices
• Portal hypertension
• Hepatic encephalopathy
• Mental confusion
• Coma
• Abdominal fluid retention (ascites) and infection of the fluid (bacterial peritonitis)
• Sepsis
• Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
• Kidney failure (hepatorenal syndrome)

A procedure called TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) is sometimes necessary as a result of many of these complications.

Call your health care provider if symptoms develop that are suggestive of cirrhosis.

Call your provider, or go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if vomiting blood or if rapid changes in alertness or consciousness occur.

Review Date: 05/04/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.