Cirrhosis is a chronic and progressive liver disease that occurs when scar tissue gradually replaces healthy liver tissue. Certain conditions, such as hepatitis B and C, can cause post-necrotic cirrhosis.
In post-necrotic cirrhosis, the liver has nodules, or fibrous areas of tissue, more than
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Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for post-necrotic cirrhosis.
Post-necrotic cirrhosis means the liver is scarred and has nodules or growths of more than
Viruses, including the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), can cause post-necrotic cirrhosis.
Other causes include primary biliary cholangitis, an autoimmune disease affecting the liver, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This is a genetic condition that increases the risk of lung and liver disease.
A person with cirrhosis might not experience symptoms initially. However, symptoms
- fatigue or tiredness
- loss of appetite
- unintentional weight loss
- nausea or vomiting
- abdominal pain in the upper right side
- bruising easily
- confusion
- edema or swelling in the ankles, lower legs, or feet
- ascites, which is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen
- itchy skin
- dark or discolored urine
- jaundice, which involves a yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin
Cirrhosis has multiple causes. The
- alcoholic liver disease
- nonalcoholic liver disease
- long-term HCV or HBV infection
Other causes include:
- autoimmune hepatitis
- primary sclerosing cholangitis, which is a rare disease that mainly affects bile ducts inside and outside the liver
- genetic liver diseases, such as Wilson’s disease and hemochromatosis
- long-term use of anabolic steroids, methotrexate, and other medications that can harm the liver
- heart failure with liver congestion
excess acetaminophen (Tylenol) use
In addition to post-necrotic, other types of cirrhosis include micronodular and mixed. They
Micronodular cirrhosis means that liver scarring and nodules are less than 3 mm in diameter. In mixed cirrhosis, there are nodules both smaller and larger than 3mm and scarring.
Because a person may not have symptoms in the early stages, doctors often diagnose post-necrotic cirrhosis when testing for another condition or disease.
Diagnosis
- performing a physical examination that checks for swelling in the upper abdomen
- asking about personal and family medical history
- asking about dietary habits and alcohol consumption
They may also recommend blood tests to check liver function and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, CT, or MRI scan, to look for scarring or nodules. Depending on these findings, they may take a tissue biopsy for laboratory testing.
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People can also work with their doctor to treat and manage underlying health conditions, such as hepatitis. Their doctor may also recommend vaccination against HBV and HCV.
In some cases, doctors may recommend a liver transplant.
The outlook for people with cirrhosis depends on the stage or severity of the condition at the time of diagnosis. It is also important to note that many factors, such as age, lifestyle habits, and overall health, can affect a person’s outcome.
In cases where doctors make a diagnosis before symptoms appear, also known as compensated cirrhosis, the liver can still compensate for the damage and function effectively. As a result, the individual has a
However, after symptoms appear, the outlook is less optimistic.
Individuals need to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of cirrhosis. Additionally, if a person has a family history of liver disease, they may have a higher risk of developing cirrhosis and need to discuss screening options with their doctor.
It is important to remember that other medical conditions can also cause cirrhosis symptoms.
Therefore, a person needs to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. In all cases, early diagnosis and treatment provide the best chance of minimizing complications.
Post-necrotic cirrhosis is a form of liver disease that affects liver function. It means the liver has nodules of more than 3 mm in diameter.
Various factors that can cause post-necrotic cirrhosis include hepatitis infection and excessive alcohol use.
Although there is no cure, doctors may recommend avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a nutritious diet, and managing general health to support liver function as much as possible.