Cirrhosis Of The Liver Caused By Schistosoma: How Serious Is It?

Cirrhosis of the liver due to schistosomiasis can vary in severity depending on whether the condition is in a compensated or decompensated stage. Decompensated cirrhosis is considered more severe and requires immediate medical attention. Unlike other forms of liver cirrhosis, schistosoma-induced liver damage is relatively rare in northern regions and primarily affects individuals who have experienced long-term or repeated infections.

The disease progresses when Schistosoma parasites lay eggs near the portal areas of the liver. These eggs, along with the toxins they release, continuously irritate the liver tissue, leading to fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. This type of liver damage is most commonly found in areas near lakes and marshes along the Yangtze River basin, particularly among farmers and herders.

One key difference between schistosomal cirrhosis and other types of cirrhosis is that the former directly damages the portal tracts, often resulting in early onset of portal hypertension. An enlarged spleen, sometimes significantly enlarged (known as massive splenomegaly), is a typical symptom of this condition. This distinguishes it from other forms of cirrhosis, where splenomegaly may not be as pronounced.

Treatment for schistosomal cirrhosis differs from standard cirrhosis protocols. It involves not only managing liver damage but also eliminating the parasitic infection and its eggs through specific antiparasitic therapies. Removing the root cause of the liver damage is crucial for effective long-term treatment. In some cases, patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, especially once the disease has progressed to decompensated cirrhosis. For these individuals, liver transplantation may be the only viable option.