How to manage liver cirrhosis?

Question

Hello doctor,

A family member was recently diagnosed with cirrhosis, and I am concerned about their health and well-being. Can you explain the causes and stages of cirrhosis, as well as the available treatments and lifestyle changes that can help manage the condition in detail?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query.

1) Cirrhosis (end-stage fibrosis of the liver) occurs due to multiple causes, commonly due to alcohol-induced liver disease, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B, and prolonged fatty liver.

2) When we see cirrhosis for the first time, we order certain blood investigations including complete blood profile, liver function tests, serum albumin, serum creatinine, and electrolytes. These reports will help us to calculate certain scores.

3) A commonly used scoring system is the Child-Pugh score which can divide patients into categories A, B, or C.

4) This can tell the advancement of liver cirrhosis.

5) Treatment depends upon the stage of disease and underlying cause in the patient.

6) Avoid alcohol consumption if any, and reduce body weight if overweight.

Wishing him good health.

Hope it helps.

Thanks and regards.