"Is Liver Cirrhosis Contagious? How Does It Spread?"

Cirrhosis of the Liver: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The development of cirrhosis of the liver is associated with various factors, including viral hepatitis and alcoholism, though it is generally not transmitted through contact.

Etiology:

Common causes of cirrhosis include chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection, long-term heavy alcohol consumption leading to liver damage, autoimmune diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, and genetic metabolic disorders like Wilson's disease.

Symptoms and Signs:

Early stages may be asymptomatic, while later stages may manifest as fatigue, anorexia, abdominal distension, diarrhea, among others. Physical examination may reveal abdominal distension, jaundice of skin and sclera, spider angiomas, splenomegaly, and other signs.

Laboratory Tests:

Elevated serum transaminases suggest hepatocyte necrosis, while abnormal coagulation function indicates an increased risk of esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding.

Imaging Studies:

B-mode ultrasound may show signs of portal hypertension, while CT scans reveal low-density areas with heterogeneous enhancement post-contrast, indicating fibrosis.

Histopathological Examination:

The gold standard for diagnosing cirrhosis is histopathological examination, which reveals the formation of pseudolobules under a microscope.

Treatment:

Currently, there is no specific cure for cirrhosis, and treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and providing symptomatic support:

• Antiviral Therapy: For patients with hepatitis B-induced cirrhosis, antiviral treatment with entecavir or tenofovir alafenamide is recommended.
• Liver Protection: Common medications include polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules and compound glycyrrhizin tablets.
• Albumin Supplementation: In cases of malnutrition, human serum albumin injections may be administered to correct hypoproteinemia.
• Other Measures: Surgical resection of affected areas may be considered to alleviate symptoms.

In daily life, avoiding alcohol, refraining from spicy and irritant foods, maintaining adequate rest, and having a positive mindset contribute to the recovery process.