Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease characterized by replacement of liver tissue by fibrotic scar tissue as well as regenerative nodules, leading to progressive loss of liver function. Cirrhosis is most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C, and was the 12th leading cause of death in the United States in 2000.Anderson RN. "Deaths: leading causes for 2000" National vital statistics reports. 2003;50:16 PMID 16485447 Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infections, and a poor long term outcome. In advanced stages of cirrhosis, the condition is irreversible and the only option would be a liver transplant.

Symptoms and signs

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The following signs and symptoms may occur in the presence of cirrhosis or as a result of the complications of cirrhosis. Many are nonspecific and may occur in other diseases and does not necessarily point to cirrhosis. Likewise, the absence of any does not rule out the possibility of cirrhosis.

• Spider angiomata. Vascular lesions consisting of central arteriole surrounded by many smaller vessels due to an increase in estradiol.
• Palmar erythema. Exaggerations of normal speckled mottling of the palm, due to altered sex hormone metabolism.
• Nail changes.
  • Muehrcke's nails --- paired horizontal bands separated by normal color due to hypoalbuminemia
  • Terry's nails --- proximal two thirds of the nail plate appears white with distal one-third red, also due to hypoalbuminemia
• Clubbing. Angle between the nail plate and proximal nail fold > 180 degrees
• Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Chronic proliferative periostitis of the long bones that can cause considerable pain.
• Dupuytren's contracture. Thickening and shortening of palmar fascia that leads to flexion deformities of the fingers. Thought to be due to fibroblastic proliferation and disorderly collagen deposition. It is relatively common (33% of patients).
• Gynecomastia. Benign proliferation of glandular tissue of male breasts presenting with a rubbery or firm mass extending concentrically from the nipples. This is due to increased estradiol and can occur up to 66% of patients.
• Hypogonadism. Manifested as impotence, infertility, loss of sexual drive, and testicular atrophy due to primary gonadal injury or suppression of hypothalamic or pituitary function.
• Liver size. Can be enlarged, normal, or shrunken.
• Splenomegaly. Due to congestion of the red pulp as a result of portal hypertension
• Ascites. Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity giving rise to flank dullness (needs about 1500 mL to detect flank dullness).
• Caput medusa. In portal hypertension, the umbilical vein may open. Blood from the portal venous system may be shunted through the periumbilical veins into the umbilical vein and ultimately to the abdominal wall veins, manifesting as caput medusa.
• Cruveilhier-Baumgarten murmur. Venous hum heard in epigastric region due to collateral connections between portal system and the remnant of the umbilical vein in portal hypertension.
• Fetor hepaticus. Sweet pungent smell in breath due to increased dimethylsulphide due to severe portal-systemic shunting.
• Jaundice. Yellow discoloring of the skin, eye, and mucus membranes due to increased bilirubin (at least 2-3 mg/dL). Urine may also appear dark.
• Asterixis. Bilateral asynchronous flapping of outstretched, dorsiflexed hands seen in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
• Other. weakness, fatigue, anorexia, weight loss

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Liver Cirrhosis Diet « Nutrition Tips For Newbies http://bit.ly/6vLdA1
CancerLeft (Cancer Left) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:27:57 -0000
Liver Cirrhosis Diet « Nutrition Tips For Newbies http://bit.ly/6vLdA1
@aegies that is good news. i wish devs would do this more often so mac-required professionals could play more than just WoW with friends.
Cirrhosis (Alex Price) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:23:15 -0000
@aegies that is good news. i wish devs would do this more often so mac-required professionals could play more than just WoW with friends.
@adamsbaldwin though i'm not sure that counts as satire, i do understand where you're coming from. if i agree or not, dissent is important.
Cirrhosis (Alex Price) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:13:29 -0000
@adamsbaldwin though i'm not sure that counts as satire, i do understand where you're coming from. if i agree or not, dissent is important.
@deviousjen at least this elephant announces its presence with a hearty trumpet.
Cirrhosis (Alex Price) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:02:32 -0000
@deviousjen at least this elephant announces its presence with a hearty trumpet.
Natural Liver Cirrhosis Treatment http://bit.ly/7R5W6X
HemorhoidShaman (KingOfShaman) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:56:38 -0000
Natural Liver Cirrhosis Treatment http://bit.ly/7R5W6X
How long does a person live, after being told that can not even be put on treatmeat for severe cirrhosis?http://bit.ly/27ihck
Garden_soln (Dipti) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:12:25 -0000
How long does a person live, after being told that can not even be put on treatmeat for severe cirrhosis?http://bit.ly/27ihck

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