Liver Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis of the Liver

The liver is the largest organ in the body. It helps to keep the body to function properly. The liver is essential to maintain life. Functions of the liver include

• removing or neutralizing poisons from the blood


• production of immune agents to control infection


• removing germs and bacteria from the blood


• production of proteins that regulate blood clotting


• production of bile, which helps in the absorbtion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

In cirrhosis of the liver, normal liver tissue is replaced by a scar tissue. This could result to blockage to the flow of blood through the organ and prevents it from working properly. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), cirrhosis is the twelfth leading cause of death by disease, which kills about 26,000 people each year. Also, the cost of cirrhosis in terms of human suffering, hospital costs, and lost productivity is high.

Topics:

Causes
Symptoms
Complications
Diagnosis
Treatment

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Source: Cirrhosis of the Liver. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 04–1134: December 2003