Description
A liver disease that persists over a long period of time, potentially resulting in a progressive destruction of the liver. In the end stages patients may have problems clotting their blood, and can become confused. There are many causes with longstanding alcohol abuse and viral infections being the most common.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, easy bleeding, vomiting, confusion, yellowing skin, weakness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include blood tests to determine the cause and severity of the liver damage and liver imaging with ultrasound, MRI or CT scanning. A liver biopsy may be recommended
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Hepatitis profile, protime
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Transplant Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include blood tests to determine the cause and severity of the liver damage and liver imaging with ultrasound, MRI or CT scanning. A liver biopsy may be recommended
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Hepatitis profile, protime
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Transplant Surgery
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the liver failure and the extent of the liver failure but may include: diuretics for fluid overload, lactulose for confusion, blood products or vitamin K for bleeding, and/or antibiotics for infection. A surgical procedure, called transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or liver transplant may be recommended.