Cirrhosis - Symptoms

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Highlights	Diagnosis	References
Introduction	Treatment	Ascites
Causes	Treatment of Complications	Bleeding Episodes
Symptoms	Liver Transplantation	Resources
Complications	Resources	References

Liver Cancer

People with cirrhosis have an increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. Hepatitis B and C, alcoholism, hemochromatosis, and primary biliary cirrhosis -- all causes of cirrhosis -- are some of the major risk factors for liver cancer. Cirrhosis due to hepatitis C is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma, while cirrhosis due to hepatitis B is the leading cause of deaths related to liver cancer.

Other Complications

Kidney Failure. Portal hypertension and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis can cause several secondary complications, including kidney failure. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin -- can also cause kidney failure in patients with cirrhosis.

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Osteoporosis. Many patients with cirrhosis develop osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #18: Osteoporosis.]

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by progressive loss of bone density, thinning of bone tissue, and increased vulnerability to fractures. Osteoporosis may result from disease, dietary or hormonal deficiency, or advanced age. Regular exercise and vitamin and mineral supplements may reduce and even reverse loss of bone density.

Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. Cirrhosis causes insulin resistance, a primary feature in type 2 diabetes. As insulin resistance progresses, it causes excess glucose to buildup in the blood, which leads to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is also a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, one of the causes of cirrhosis. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #60: Diabetes type 2.]

Heart Problems. Cirrhosis may increase the risk for heart failure and other cardiovascular complications.

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Review Date: 11/04/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).