What Is Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a late-stage liver condition that develops as a result of long-term, progressive damage from various chronic liver diseases. It is characterized by widespread fibrosis (scarring), the formation of regenerative nodules (false lobules), and abnormal blood vessel growth both within and outside the liver. This condition arises when different disease factors continuously affect the liver over time, leading to irreversible structural changes and impaired liver function.

Common causes of cirrhosis include viral hepatitis, chronic alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, prolonged bile duct obstruction, drug or toxin-induced liver injury, hepatic circulatory disorders, genetic and metabolic disorders, immune system abnormalities, and parasitic infections. Among these, chronic hepatitis B infection is the most frequent cause of cirrhosis worldwide.

In clinical practice, cirrhosis is typically classified into two stages: compensated and decompensated. In the compensated phase, liver damage is relatively mild, and patients may experience few or no noticeable symptoms. However, in the decompensated phase, the liver suffers more extensive injury, often leading to complications such as portal hypertension and significant liver dysfunction.

As cirrhosis progresses to its end stage, serious and life-threatening complications can occur. These include variceal bleeding (often in the upper gastrointestinal tract), sepsis, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatorenal syndrome. These complications can lead to multiple organ failure and are major causes of mortality among patients with advanced cirrhosis. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes.