Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is severe scarring of the liver resulting from prolonged damage and can be referred to as ‘end stage liver disease’. Many people do not experience symptoms when they have an earlier stage of cirrhosis, however, at more advanced stage they can be severe and life threatening. Cirrhosis can be graded on its severity using the Child-Pugh Score.

There can be many different causes of cirrhosis. People at an increased risk of cirrhosis can be:

  • people with a hepatitis B or C infection
  • people who drink harmful levels of alcohol
  • people with a BMI indicating obesity
  • people with diabetes

Cirrhosis can be classified as decompensated or compensated:

  • Compensated (liver mostly coping with cirrhosis and performing key functions)
  • Decompensated (liver not able to perform all of its functions properly)

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Cirrhosis is normally diagnosed through a variety of tests such as blood tests and imaging, as well as through taking a medical history and performing additional tests.

The treatment options for cirrhosis depend on the causes of the cirrhosis and can also depend on what stage of cirrhosis a person is at.  Treatment will try to reduce damage if this is possible, try to prevent any further damage from happening and try to reduce the risk of severe complications.

Click here to learn more about diet and cirrhosis from The British Liver Trust: Diet and cirrhosis – British Liver Trust

 

For professionals the following NICE guidance is available: