Question

Why may the following occur with liver cirrhosis?

o UGIB

o Edema (ascites)

o Jaundice

o Confusion, disorientation

o Increased AST, ALT

o Dark, urine

o Prolonged bleeding

o Decreased vitamin A, D, E, K

Answer 1

Liver cirrhosis is a disease characterized by widespread nodules in the liver combined with fibrosis-scar tissue replaces, normal, healthy tissue blocking the flow of blood through the liver.

1. EDEMA & ASCITES occurs d/t the liver's inability to make protein albumin = low level of albumin causes fluid to leak in the tissues d/t insufficient 'colloid oncotic pressure' causing ascites and leg edema

2. BRUISING & BLEEDING = liver slows down or stops producing protein necessary for blood clotting

3. JAUNDICE - is the yellowish discolouration of the skind and eyes d/t inability of the liver to conjugate bilirubin

4. HEPATIC ENCELOPATHY - d/t inability of the diseaes liver to remove toxins (ammonia) form the blood; symptoms include confusion, lethargy, neglect of personal appearance, unresponsiveness, forgetfulness, trouble concetrating or changes in sleep.

5. PORTAL HYPERTENSION - cirrhosis slows the normal flow of vlood through the portal vein causing increased pressure inside it (normally, the blood form the intestines and spleen is carried ot the liver through the portal vein)

6. VARICES - d/t to backing of blood form the intestines and spleen into the vessels in the stomach and esophagus; the thinned-walled blood vessels become enlarged and liekly to burst