Definition
By cirrhosis s "means a pathology that leads to the slow and progressive scarring of the liver, following a chronic damage to the organ; in other words, cirrhosis is the result of frequent liver lesions in which we witness the destruction of hepatocytes, subsequently replaced by scar lesions. Cirrhosis impairs the function and structure of the liver, causing severe damage to the body.
Causes
Among the main etiological agents involved in cirrhosis, alcohol abuse and some hepatitis play a leading role; however, the excessive intake of some drugs, hepatic steatosis, hemochromatosis and blockage of the hepatic ducts caused from stones are other possible risk factors.
Disease or abuse of alcohol / drugs → inflamed liver → cytokine synthesis → formation of fibrous tissue, nodules and scarring of the liver
Symptoms
Cirrhosis can also be asymptomatic; however, affected individuals may complain of anorexia, ascites, general weakness and malaise, weight loss, edema, insomnia, jaundice, swollen feet and legs, splenomegaly.
- Complications: abscesses, hepatocellular carcinoma, bacterial infections, dilated blood vessels in the stomach and esophagus
Diet and Nutrition
Information on Cirrhosis - Medicines for the Treatment of Cirrhosis is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Cirrhosis - Medicines to Treat Cirrhosis.
Medicines
Currently, there are still no pharmacological treatments capable of reversing the progression of cirrhotic disease: the drugs used in therapy are only able to slow down its evolution - understood in a negative sense - starting from the underlying cause. In some cases, surgical therapy can save the patient's life.
Treatment for alcoholics: Patients with alcoholic cirrhosis should stop drinking alcoholic beverages. When a real alcohol addiction is established, in which the subject is unable to stop, it is recommended to submit the patient to a specific therapeutic program for alcoholics.
Treatment for cirrhosis caused by hepatitis: If the cirrhosis is related to hepatitis, drugs are recommended to treat the underlying disease. For example:
- Pegintergerone (ES. Pegasys, Pegintron) take 100 mcg of drug per week for 31 weeks; subsequently, continue the therapy by taking 50 mcg / week subcutaneously for 35-52 weeks.
It is also possible to take the drug in combination with Lamivudine (eg Lamivudine / Zidovudine teva Lamivudine Teva), for subjects with HIV and hepatitis B: in this case, it is recommended to administer 100 mcg of peginterferon subcutaneously for 31 weeks and to continue treatment with 50 mcg per week for 32-52 weeks. (for further information: see the article on drugs against hepatitis)
Treatment to avoid complications of cirrhosis:
- The increased pressure in the small veins and portal vein can be prevented by taking drugs that can control the pressure inside the veins that supply the liver. These drugs can prevent severe bleeding. Beta drugs are particularly recommended. - blockers: Atenolol (eg Atenol), timolol maleate (eg Blocadren), bosiprolol hemifumarate (eg Concor) The dosage and methods of administration of the drugs must be established by the doctor.
- Ascites (excess abdominal fluid) can be prevented by taking diuretics (eg hydrochlorothiazide + amiloride: eg. Moduretic: take 1-2 tablets a day formulated with 5 mg of amiloride and 50 mg of hydrochlorothiazide. Or Esidrex, formulated in tablets of 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide to be taken 1-2 times a day) and correcting eating habits, for example by taking foods low in salt. In some cases, to remedy varicose veins and ascites from liver cirrhosis, a procedure called transgiugular catheterization of the suprahepatic veins is recommended.
- If cirrhosis was caused by bacterial infections, it is advisable to proceed with the intake of antibiotics targeted against the responsible pathogen. For example: Amoxicillin (eg. Amoxicillin, Amoxil and Trimox, Zimox, Augmentin), Ofloxacin (eg Exocin, Oflocin, for infections with E. Coli And Klebsiella pneumoniae), etc. The choice of an antibiotic over another depends on the responsible pathogen.
- In the context of severe liver cirrhosis, the ascertained increase in toxins in the blood can be treated with drugs indicated for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (complication of severe hepatic insufficiency and advanced cirrhosis). In this case, the drug more used in therapy is Lactulose (eg Normase, Duphalac, Verelait, Laevolac EPS: initially take 30 ml of the drug orally three times a day or 300 ml of substance in 700 ml of water or saline solution, by enema, every 4- 6 hours Maintenance dose: 30-45 ml orally 3 times a day) In such circumstances, the patient should adjust his diet. Consult your doctor.
- Since cirrhosis can develop into cancer, it is a good idea to regularly undergo blood tests and other targeted tests, in order to possibly fight cancer from the first signs.
The best cure for liver cirrhosis is undoubtedly prevention:
- Do not take alcohol
- Use some medications with caution
- Limit the intake of NSAIDs in case of chronic hepatitis
- Drug treatment for heart failure
- Follow a balanced diet, paying attention to limit the consumption of salty foods
- Take probiotics to balance the intestinal bacterial flora
