Concept and Etiology: Cirrhosis of the liver happens when the
liver has had chronic, irreversible damage that results in
decreased liver function (Story, 2018). There are a few ways
that cirrhosis of the liver occurs which include hepatitis,
autoimmune condition, or chronic alcohol abuse (Story, 2018).
Cirrhosis deviates from the definition of health because it
interrupts the function of the liver which causes liver failure
(Story, 2018). The failure of the liver happens when the
pressure rises as the hepatic artery and portal vein become
constricted by scar tissue (Story, 2018). When fluid buildup
occurs the portal hypertension pushes fluid back into the
abdominal cavity and the damaged liver can no longer produce
enough albumin (Story, 2018).
Classification: There are three classifications of cirrhosis based
on the Child-Pugh score. The Child-Pugh score contain
bilirubin, albumin, INR, the presence and severity of ascites, and
encephalopathy (Wikipedia, 2021). The three classifications are
A, B, and C with A being a mild case and C having a high risk of
death (Wikipedia, 2021).
Clinical Manifestations (Symptoms and Signs):
Fatigue
Weakness
Weight loss
Jaundice
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Abdominal swelling
Confusion
Darken urine
Stools can become clay colored
Ulcers
Diagnostic Tests: Testing for cirrhosis includes a history,
physical examination, liver biopsy, abdominal X-ray, abdominal
ultrasound, abdominal CT, abdominal magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), CBC, liver enzyme panel, EGD, clotting studies,
stool examination (for occult blood), and endoscopy (Story,
2018)
References
Story, L. (2018). Pathophysiology: A Practical Approach 3rd
edition. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Wikipedia. (2021, December 6). Cirrhosis. Retrieved from Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirrhosis#:~:text=liver%20with
%20neutrophils.-,Grading,at%20high%20risk%20of%20death.
