What are the complications of cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis complications may include:
Portal hypertension – Cirrhosis slows the normal flow of blood through the liver, thereby increasing the pressure in the veins coming from the intestines and spleen that brings blood to the liver.
Leg and abdominal swelling – Increased portal vein pressure can cause fluid to build up in the abdomen (ascites) and in the legs (edema).
Ascites and edema can also be the product of the liver’s inability to make enough blood proteins, such as albumin.
Splenomegaly – Portal hypertension can also be a cause of spleen changes and swelling. The first symptom of cirrhosis may be reduced white blood cells and platelets within your blood that occurs secondary to splenomegaly.
Bleeding – Portal hypertension can lead to a redirection of the blood to smaller veins. These smaller veins, which are strained by the extra pressure, can burst, causing severe bleeding.
It can also cause enlarged veins (varices) in the esophagus or the stomach and lead to life-threatening bleeding. If the liver fails to produce adequate clotting factors, this can also lead to continued bleeding.
Infections – If you experience cirrhosis, your body may have trouble fighting infections. Cirrhosis may lead to a severe infection called bacterial peritonitis.
Malnutrition – Cirrhosis may make the absorption of nutrients more difficult for your body, leading to fatigue and weight loss.
Hepatic encephalopathy – A cirrhosis-damaged liver can not clear toxins from the blood. These toxins can build up in the major organs of the body, such as the brain and cause mental confusion and concentration difficulties. Hepatic encephalopathy can progress to a coma with time.
Yellowing of the skin – Jaundice occurs when there is not enough bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin, a blood waste product, and its build-up can cause the skin and whites of the eyes (sclera) to become yellow, and the urine to darken.
Bone complications – Many people with cirrhosis lose bone strength and have a higher risk of fractures.
Liver cancer – A large proportion of individuals who develop liver cancer have pre-existing cirrhosis. Similarly, many people with cirrhosis are at a higher risk of developing liver cancer.
Chronic cirrhosis – Many people end up with multi-organ failure. Scientists also agree that in some people who have chronic cirrhosis, this is one of the deadliest complications – but they do not fully understand the causes.
