Untreated cirrhosis of the liver is a potentially fatal disease[1][2][3], as its damage is irreversible and can eventually lead to complete liver failure[1]. In the UK alone, about 4,000 individuals die from this condition annually while approximately 700 require a liver transplant in order to survive[1]. Notably, cirrhosis ranks among the top ten causes of death in the United States and life expectancy varies depending on both its type and stage[4]. Nevertheless, it generally takes years for such progression to culminate in full-blown liver failure. Treatment options are available that may help impede this process[1], with early diagnosis being particularly crucial for successful recovery outcomes[5].
Citations:
[2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cirrhosis-of-the-liver-life-expectancy
[3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15572-cirrhosis-of-the-liver
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017060/
[5] https://www.griswoldhomecare.com/blog/2018/august/living-with-cirrhosis-of-the-liver-life-expectan/
what are the common causes of cirrhosis of the liver?
Cirrhosis of the liver is a pathological condition characterized by the replacement of healthy hepatic cells with fibrous tissue, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. The most prevalent causes of this disease are prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption as well as infection with hepatitis B or C viruses[1][2][3][4]. Nevertheless, there exist other afflictions that may induce liver damage and cirrhosis such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune liver disease, primary biliary cholangitis, bile duct disorders, and certain drugs[3][5]. Moreover, being overweight or afflicted by high blood pressure, diabetes or pre-diabetes conditions along with elevated cholesterol levels also pose significant risks for developing cirrhosis[5]. It should be noted that not all individuals exhibiting these risk factors will necessarily develop cirrhosis[2].
Citations:
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cirrhosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351487
[3] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cirrhosis-of-the-liver
[4] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cirrhosis/
[5] https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/cirrhosis
Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that can elicit liver inflammation and damage, ultimately resulting in cirrhosis of the liver. The viruses have the ability to infect hepatocytes and provoke an immune response leading to hepatic irritation and fibrosis[1][2]. Over time, this fibrosis may become so widespread as to impede proper hepatic function, culminating in liver failure or death if untreated[3][4]. Genetic and epigenetic factors such as microRNAs drive progression from cirrhosis towards hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B and C infections[4]. Literature suggests that multiple severe acute exacerbations, hepatic decompensation, and reversion to HBeAg are all associated with progression towards cirrhosis[3]. Hepatitis B infection-related inflammation may result in extensive scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), which could compromise its normal functioning capacity[5]. Individuals with suppressed immunity who suffer from chronic hepatitis B are prone to reactivation[5].
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4168079/
[2] https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/62719
[3] https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/cmr.00018-11
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470669/
[5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-b/symptoms-causes/syc-20366802
Hepatitis viruses do not directly cause liver cell necrosis. Instead, they infect liver cells, which triggers an immune response resulting in inflammation and cellular damage leading to viral-induced apoptosis via the induction of the death receptor-mediated signaling pathway[1][2]. The severity of liver damage is regulated by Hepatitis B virus genotypes and viral components[3][4]. The demise of liver cells prompts the dispatching of inflammatory cells to the affected area, instigating inflammation and fibrosis[5]. Given that death receptors are ubiquitously expressed throughout the organ, hepatocytes and cholangiocytes are highly susceptible to death receptor-mediated apoptosis. Necrosis in the liver is typically associated with acute injury (such as ischemia/reperfusion injury) and has long been viewed as an unregulated process.[2]
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3867948/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4168079/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC98986/
[5] https://hepctrust.org.uk/information/impact-hepatitis-c-liver/hepatitis-c-and-liver-damage
Cirrhosis of the liver is a grave ailment that leads to fibrosis and enduring impairment of the hepatic organ[1][2][3][4][5]. This condition commonly results from liver destruction instigated by factors such as chronic alcohol consumption, hepatitis B or C infections, or fatty liver disease associated with diabetes and obesity[5]. Notably, cirrhotic damage is generally irreversible; however, early detection coupled with proper therapy may decelerate its progression depending on the underlying cause[3].
There exist two distinct phases of cirrhosis: compensated and decompensated[1][2]. Those with compensated cirrhosis are asymptomatic, while the average life expectancy is approximately 9-12 years[1]. Although a percentage of individuals will develop symptoms each year (5-7%)[1], many people may remain asymptomatic for an extended period. Decompensated cirrhosis signifies that the disease has progressed to the point where noticeable symptoms manifest in affected individuals[2]. Median survival time among patients with decompensated cirrhosis is roughly two years[2].
Cirrhosis has the potential to be lethal if hepatic function is compromised[4]. Nonetheless, it typically requires several years for the ailment to progress to this point and medical intervention can assist in decelerating its advancement[4]. In the UK, approximately 4,000 individuals perish annually from cirrhosis while 700 patients with this disease necessitate a liver transplant to survive[4]. Indicators and symptoms of cirrhosis encompass weariness, feebleness, loss of weight, queasiness and vomiting, abdominal discomforts, jaundice as well as edema in both the legs and abdomen regions[4].
To summarize, liver cirrhosis is a grave ailment that engenders scarring and irreversible harm to the liver. The prognosis of this condition hinges on its stage and type, while treatment options can help decelerate its advancement. Indications and manifestations consist of exhaustion, feebleness, loss of mass, queasiness, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, jaundice as well as edema in the legs or abdomen.
Citations:
[1] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cirrhosis-of-the-liver-life-expectancy
[2] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15572-cirrhosis-of-the-liver
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cirrhosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351487
[5] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cirrhosis-of-the-liver