Question

Mr. V is a 55-year-old alcoholic who checked into a clinic, complaining that he has been experiencing a persistent cough and feeling more fatigued, nauseous, and irritable. In addition, he is experiencing more frequent memory lapses. His stomach is distended, but on palpation, his liver is small in size and firm, indicating cirrhosis. Lab tests indicate a decrease in hemoglobin, albumin, levels with elevated serum bilirubin and ammonia levels.

Question: Choose four significant complications that are likely to occur, and discuss the predisposing factors and effects on the liver.

Answer 1

Complications of alcoholic liver cirrhosis are as following--

1) Hepatic encephalopathy - liver removes toxins from blood, in liver cirrhosis liver is unable to do this and toxins in blood increases. Symptoms of Hepatic encephalopathy are -- agitation, confusion, disorientation.

2) Portal hypertension -- it occurs when blood pressure in liver has risen to a potentially serious level.

3)Ascites -- A person with Portal hypertension may develop a build up of fluid in their abdomen.

4) Infection - damage to liver can weaken the immune system.

Predisposing factors of alcoholic liver cirrhosis--

1) Chronic hepatitis B and C

2) chronic excessive alcohol consumption

3) fatty liver disease

4) autoimmune liver disease

5) Wilson's disaese, haemochromatosis.