What are the symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver?
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Symptoms of Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic condition characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, leading to impaired liver function. This article synthesizes the key symptoms associated with cirrhosis, drawing from multiple research studies.
Early and Asymptomatic Phase
Compensated Cirrhosis Symptoms
In the early stages, known as compensated cirrhosis, many individuals may not exhibit noticeable symptoms because the liver retains enough functional tissue to perform its essential tasks. However, as the disease progresses, subtle signs may begin to appear, including fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite1 5.
Advanced and Symptomatic Phase
Decompensated Cirrhosis Symptoms
As cirrhosis advances to the decompensated phase, more overt and severe symptoms emerge. These include:
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the liver's inability to process bilirubin1 2 5.
- Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, leading to swelling and discomfort2 7.
- Bleeding and Bruising: Increased tendency to bleed or bruise easily due to impaired production of clotting factors1 2.
- Encephalopathy: Confusion, altered mental state, and even unconsciousness caused by the buildup of toxins in the brain2 3.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Bleeding from dilated veins in the esophagus or stomach, which can be life-threatening2 3.
- Edema: Swelling in the lower legs due to fluid retention3 5.
- Spider Angiomas: Spider-like blood vessels visible on the skin3.
Additional Symptoms
Other symptoms that may be present in cirrhosis patients include:
- Nausea and Vomiting: Often due to gastrointestinal dysfunction and poor digestion1 9.
- Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss and muscle wasting, known as sarcopenia, are common due to malnutrition and metabolic changes1 7.
- Pain and Disability: Significant pain and disability, often associated with systemic inflammation and psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depression9.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms like delayed gastric emptying, small bowel transit issues, and bacterial overgrowth, which can further complicate the condition10.
Conclusion
Cirrhosis of the liver presents a wide range of symptoms that evolve from subtle signs in the early stages to severe complications in advanced stages. Recognizing these symptoms early can be crucial for timely intervention and management of the disease.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Liver cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis is a chronic liver infection caused by alcohol intake, biliary obstruction, biliary atresia, chronic Hepatitis B or C, and hemochromatosis.
Rigorous Journal2022·1citation·Garima Singh et al.·International journal of health sciences
International journal of health sciences ··DOI
EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
The EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of decompensated cirrhosis emphasize early treatment and cover complications not previously covered by European Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines.
Rigorous Journal
Highly Cited2018·1905citations·P. Angeli et al.·Journal of hepatology
Journal of hepatology ··DOI
Liver Cirrhosis-Common Clinical Problem
Liver cirrhosis can lead to various symptoms and complications, including fatigue, itchiness, and yellow skin, but early symptoms are often unnoticed.
2019·0citations·Ruchi Singh et al.·The Journal of medical research
The Journal of medical research ··DOI
A review literature: Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis is a chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the liver, with four main types: alcoholic, post necrotic, biliary, and cardiac cirrhosis, and early recognition is crucial for effective management and increased life expectancy.
Literature Review2020·0citations·Shashi Vishwakarma·Journal of emerging technologies and innovative research
Journal of emerging technologies and innovative research ··DOI
Cryptogenic Cirrhosis
Cryptogenic cirrhosis is a rare liver disease that causes no symptoms in the early stages, but gradually worsens as scar tissue replaces normal liver tissue.
Highly Cited2018·84citations·Zachary H. Henry et al.·Definitions
Definitions ··DOI
Liver cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis is a widespread disease with various causes, and better screening, early identification, and prevention of complications are crucial for effective management and disease prevention.
Rigorous JournalHighly Cited2021·385citations·Pere Ginès et al.·The Lancet
The Lancet ··DOI
Chronic Liver Disease: Liver Cirrhosis and Diagnostic Features
Liver cirrhosis is more common in men aged 42-54, with the most common symptoms being loss of appetite and weight loss.
2023·1citation·Ali Junaid Dar et al.·Pakistan Journal of Health Sciences
Pakistan Journal of Health Sciences ··DOI
Cirrhosis and its complications: evidence based treatment.
Cirrhosis and its complications require a systematic approach to prevent and treat complications, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly Cited2014·256citations·S. Nusrat et al.·World journal of gastroenterology
World journal of gastroenterology ··DOI
Inflammation, psychiatric symptoms, and opioid use are associated with pain and disability in patients with cirrhosis.
Pain and disability in cirrhosis patients are linked to inflammation, psychiatric symptoms, and opioid use, which may be modifiable and targetable for treatment.
Observational Study2015·46citations·Shari S. Rogal et al.·Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association
Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association ··DOI
Gastrointestinal dysfunction in liver cirrhosis.
Gastrointestinal dysfunction in liver cirrhosis patients may contribute to complications and nutritional status deterioration, impacting their quality of life and overall health.
Rigorous JournalHighly Cited2014·94citations·E. Kalaitzakis·World journal of gastroenterology
World journal of gastroenterology ··DOI