Liver Cirrhosis

Symptoms:

• Fatigue and weakness: Due to liver dysfunction and decreased detoxification.
• Abdominal pain: Often from ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen).
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to liver dysfunction.
• Swelling of legs and ankles: Caused by fluid retention due to portal hypertension.
• Bruising and bleeding: Due to a decreased ability to produce clotting factors.
• Hepatic encephalopathy: Cognitive issues like confusion, caused by toxins accumulating in the brain.

Purpose:

• Diagnosis of liver disease: To assess the degree of liver scarring and its effect on liver function.
• Prevention of complications: Cirrhosis leads to portal hypertension, varices, and liver failure, so early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious outcomes.

Indications:

• Chronic alcohol abuse: A leading cause of cirrhosis.
• Chronic hepatitis: Especially Hepatitis B or C, which can cause liver scarring over time.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A common cause of cirrhosis, often associated with obesity and diabetes.

Procedure:

• Blood tests: Liver function tests (e.g., liver enzymes, albumin, bilirubin).
• Imaging: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI to assess liver size, texture, and blood flow.
• Liver biopsy: To determine the extent of liver scarring (fibrosis).
• Endoscopy: To check for varices (enlarged veins) or bleeding in the esophagus.

Treatment:

• Management of underlying causes: Antiviral drugs for hepatitis, abstinence from alcohol, weight loss for NAFLD.
• Medications: To control symptoms such as fluid retention (diuretics), itching (bile acid sequestrants), or bleeding (beta-blockers for varices).
• Liver transplant: For end-stage liver failure. 

Liver Jaundice

Symptoms:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes: Due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood.
• Dark urine: The kidneys filter excess bilirubin, causing the urine to darken.
• Pale stools: Due to lack of bile in the intestines.
• Itchy skin: A common symptom of cholestasis (reduced bile flow).
• Fatigue: Often associated with liver disease or poor bile flow.
• Abdominal pain: Particularly in the upper right abdomen, suggesting liver or biliary system involvement.

Purpose:

• Diagnosis of liver or biliary diseases: Jaundice is a sign of liver or bile duct problems, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or biliary obstruction.
• Management: To treat the underlying cause of jaundice and prevent complications like liver failure or infections.

Indications:

• Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver due to viruses (e.g., Hepatitis B or C), alcohol, or autoimmune conditions.
• Biliary obstruction: Due to gallstones, tumors, or strictures.
• Liver cirrhosis: Advanced liver scarring that can cause jaundice.
• Hemolysis: Rapid breakdown of red blood cells, leading to excess bilirubin.

Procedure:

• Blood tests: To check liver function (bilirubin, liver enzymes).
• Imaging: Ultrasound or CT scan to evaluate the liver and biliary system.
• Liver biopsy: To assess the degree of liver damage or inflammation.
• ERCP: If biliary obstruction is suspected, to visualize and treat issues in the bile ducts.

Treatment:

• Treat underlying cause: Antiviral medications for hepatitis, or surgery for bile duct obstructions.
• Bile acid sequestrants: To help manage itching.
• Liver transplant: In severe cases of liver failure.