Liver Cirrhosis Symptoms and Associated Complications

During the compensated stage of liver cirrhosis, patients typically experience no significant symptoms or complications. However, once the condition progresses to the decompensated phase, two major clinical manifestations become evident: impaired liver function and portal hypertension.

Impaired liver function can lead to a range of issues such as poor digestion and nutrient absorption, malnutrition, jaundice, bleeding tendencies, anemia, and hormonal imbalances. Additionally, patients may suffer from unexplained low-grade fever and low albumin levels in the blood, which are also key indicators of declining liver health.

Portal hypertension, on the other hand, presents through several physical symptoms. These include ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), the development of collateral blood vessels between the portal and systemic circulation, enlargement of the spleen, and subsequent overactivity of the spleen known as hypersplenism.

When it comes to complications, liver cirrhosis can give rise to a number of serious conditions. One of the most urgent is upper gastrointestinal bleeding, often caused by esophageal or gastric varices. Other potential complications include gallstone formation, increased susceptibility to infections, portal vein thrombosis and its transformation into a cavernous structure, and disturbances in electrolyte and acid-base balance.

In more advanced cases, patients may develop hepatorenal syndrome, a form of kidney failure seen in people with severe liver damage, or hepatic pulmonary syndrome, which affects lung function. Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and hepatic encephalopathy—brain dysfunction due to liver failure—are also life-threatening complications that require immediate medical attention. Early detection and management of these complications are crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.