Claim your topic in the separate discussion post. Make sure you respond in that post by stating the topic you are claiming. Research this disease and tell us about certain aspects of the disease. Make sure to include Name/Etiology, Epidemiology, Signs and symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments, and Prognosis (each section of your post should contain those headings). Please include at least two pictures in your post (i.e. an unusual sign and/or symptom, a chart, a graph, a diagnostic tool). Use the photo icon to embed your photos. Do not attach them to your post. WARNING: DO NOT COPY AND PASTE FROM ONLINE SOURCES. Use original descriptions using words from your A&P vocabulary that you have learned this semester. Cite your sources at the end of your post. Do attach your post as Word document.

After you make your initial post, respond to three or more of your classmates\’ postings. Detail what you find interesting about their research of that disorder or if you have any personal experiences with these diseases. If you find any shortcomings, please discuss them.

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE TURNITIN ASSIGNMENT THAT GOES WITH THIS DISCUSSION. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN NO CREDIT AWARDED.

Word Count: Original post – 400 words minimum Responses – 200 words each

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Liver Cirrhosis

Introduction

Cirrhosis is widely recognized as a disease of the liver. It is a late stage of liver disease marked by the presence of fibrosis of the liver and usually caused by many types of liver disease. Liver diseases that are most likely to increase the risk of developing liver cirrhosis include hepatitis and chronic alcoholism (Yoshiji et al. 593). Every time one’s liver is injured, whether due to illness, excessive alcohol consumption, or any other, it will try to repair itself. As the liver tries to repair itself, more and more scar tissue forms making it hard for the liver to function. The damages caused by liver cirrhosis cannot be undone. However, if diagnosed early, cirrhosis can be treated and further damage is limited. This paper discusses liver cirrhosis in detail.

Etiology

The common causes of liver cirrhosis include chronic alcohol abuse, hepatitis C, fat accumulating in the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), and others. The cause of liver cirrhosis was permanently associated with alcoholic liver disease. However, hepatitis C has emerged as the leading cause of liver cirrhosis in the United States (Enomoto et al. 353). Many incidences of cryptogenic cirrhosis originate from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Most of these cases occur when patients have one or more of the classic risk factors of NAFLD), such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertriglyceridemia.

Epidemiology

Liver cirrhosis results in approximately 35,000 deaths annually in the United States. It is the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S. Cirrhosis is responsible for 1.2% of total deaths in the United States. The number of adults diagnosed with liver disease in the U.S. currently is 4.5 million (Yoshiji et al. 606). Cases associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are expected to rise therefore, cases of liver cirrhosis are also expected to increase.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of liver cirrhosis include fatigue, easy bleeding or bruising, loss of appetite, and nausea. Other symptoms include swelling legs, feet, or ankles (Enomoto et al. 357). Patients may also experience, weight loss, itchy skin, jaundice, ascites, redness in the palms, and spider-like blood vessels on the skin.

Figure 1. Liver Cirrhosis (scarring)

 

Diagnosis

The doctor may order blood tests to assess any sign of liver dysfunction, such as excess bilirubin, and certain enzymes that might indicate liver damage. An imaging test is another diagnostic procedure that might help identify the liver disease (Enomoto et al. 355). Imaging tests include Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), MRI, CT, and ultrasound. A biopsy can also be done to help diagnose the disease.

Figure 2. Contrast-enhanced CT scan showing liver cirrhosis

Treatments

Various methods of treatment can be employed to improve the symptoms. Treatment depends on the cause and extent of liver damage. Treatment of underlying conditions may focus on alcohol dependency, weight loss, hepatitis, and others.  To treat complications, the doctor may recommend a low sodium diet to prevent the buildup of fluids in the body (Yoshiji et al. 612). Treatment of portal hypertension, infections, and other complications may apply where possible. In advanced cases of cirrhosis, liver transplant surgery may apply. Positive lifestyle changes are advised.

Prognosis

People with liver cirrhosis can live many more years when treated early enough. People who experience compensated cirrhosis may not manifest symptoms even up to 7 years, however, life expectancy is between 9 and 12 years (Yoshiji et al. 613). Those experiencing compensated cirrhosis show symptoms and have reduced life expectancy.

Conclusion

Liver cirrhosis is the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S. It is associated with scarring or fibrosis of the liver as a result of any kind of liver disease or injury. Common causes of liver cirrhosis include chronic alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and hepatitis C. This paper has provided a detailed discussion of liver cirrhosis

 

 

Works Cited

Enomoto, Hirayuki, et al. “Transition in the etiology of liver cirrhosis in Japan: a nationwide survey.” Journal of gastroenterology 55.3 (2020): 353-362. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-019-01645-y

Yoshiji, Hitoshi, et al. “Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis 2020.” Journal of Gastroenterology (2021): 593–619. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-021-01788-x