Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is defined as a scarring process where liver cells are replaced or destroyed and are unable to function. When the liver does not function properly, patients may experience one or more of the following warning signs:
- swollen feet
- swollen abdomen
- confusion
- progressive memory loss
- difficulty sleeping during the night and increased sleeping during the day
- vomiting blood
- muscle weakness
- passing blood; purple or black bowel movements
- yellow eyes and/or skin
- flapping of the extended hands (asterixis)
- muscle loss
Abnormal Liver Function:
Abnormal liver function is also an indicator of cirrhosis. Indicators of abnormal liver function include:
- "thin" blood (an increased or prolonged prothrombin time--also called a P.T.--this test is now also defined as an "INR." The INR number increases as the liver fails)
- high bilirubin - greater than 2.0 mg/dL is a concern
- low albumin - less than 3.5 mg/dL is a concern
- low cholesterol - less than 100 mg/dL is a concern
- low platelets - less than 100,000 is a concern. (Platelets are cells involved in blood clotting)
If you have cirrhosis, there is a markedly increased risk of liver cancer. It is important to discuss with your doctor the need for screening tests for liver cancer. These screening tests include an ultrasound of the liver (liver scan) and an alpha-fetoprotein blood test. You should be vaccinated for HBV and HAV if not immune. Your diet should be alcohol-free, low-sodium, high-carbohydrate. Do not eat raw shellfish.
Precautions
Patients with cirrhosis should not drink any alcohol and should avoid ibuprofen or aspirin-type drugs. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe if you take less than six 325 mg tablets each day (2,000 mg per day). Because cirrhosis patients are at increased risk of ulcer disease, you should discuss with your physician about taking an anti-ulcer drug.