Cirrhosis is the last stage of long-term liver damage and is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide. It is a late stage of scarring of the liver where scar tissue replaces healthy cells, diminishing the body's ability to digest food, utilize nutrients, and fight infections. Cirrhosis can be caused by conditions like fatty liver disease, hepatitis B or C, obesity, certain autoimmune disorders, alcoholism, or medications. While symptoms may not appear until significant liver damage has occurred, signs can include jaundice, fatigue, nausea, and confusion. Diagnosis involves blood tests, imaging, and potentially a liver biopsy, and treatment focuses on controlling symptoms.

1. Cirrhosis

2. Did You Know?
Cirrhosis is the last stage
of long-term liver damage
and is a leading cause of
morbidity worldwide.

3. What is Cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis a late stage of scarring
of the liver. Scar tissue replaces
the healthy cells in the liver,
diminishing the body’s ability to
digest food, utilize nutrients, and
fight infections.

4. Causes of Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis can be caused by fatty liver disease,
Hepatitis B or C, obesity, Wilson’s Disease,
autoimmune disorders, alcoholism, or medications.

5. Signs & Symptoms
The most concerning issue of Cirrhosis is that
usually the patient won’t experience symptoms
until there is already significant liver damage.
When significant scar tissue is present in the liver,
the patient will notice the following:
• Jaundice
• Ascites
• Fatigue
• Inability to Concentrate
• Confusion
• Variceal Bleeding
• Itchy Skin
• Nausea

6. Diagnosis & Treatment
If your doctor suspects you have cirrhosis, he or she will order
additional blood tests, imaging, and possibly a liver biopsy. Once
diagnosed, your doctor may prescribe medications to control the
symptoms of the condition.

7. Clinical Trials
Clinical trials allow you access to potential
treatments. As a patient, you would
be closely monitored by your medical
provider and would follow a very specific
treatment plan that has been approved by
a review board. Expenses related to the
clinical trial may be covered by the entity
that’s conducting the research.

8. Complications
If left untreated, Cirrhosis can result in
the following complications.
• Peritonitis
• Hepatorenal Syndrome
• Hypersplenism
• Portal Hypertension
• Liver Cancer

9. Risk Factors
The following factors put you at risk for
developing Cirrhosis:
• Fatty Liver Disease
• Alcoholism
• Obesity
• Hepatitis
• Liver Toxicity

10. Prevention
In order to prevent Cirrhosis, you need
to live a healthy lifestyle:
• Drink Alcohol in Moderation
• Eat a Balanced Diet
• Exercise Regularly
• Practice Safe Sex
• Avoid Sharing Needles
• Go to the Doctor for Check-ups

11. Clinical Research
Opportunities
San Antonio Office – 210.982.0320
Austin Office – 512.384.1560
PinnacleResearch.com