Medical Health Encyclopedia

Cirrhosis greatly increases the risk for liver cancer, regardless of the cause of cirrhosis. Although few studies have been conducted on the risk for liver cancer in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, one study reported an incidence of 2.3%. About 4% of patients with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C develop liver cancer. In Asia about 15% of people who have chronic hepatitis B develop liver cancer, but this high rate is not seen in other parts of the world. (One Italian study that followed a group of hepatitis B patients for 11 years found no liver cancer over that period of time.)

Osteoporosis

About 30% of patients with chronic liver disease develop osteoporosis (loss of bone density), which is twice the usual incidence Primary biliary cirrhosis poses a particularly high risk for osteoporosis. Treating osteoporosis in patients with cirrhosis can be complicated. One study found that calcitriol (a form of vitamin D) is especially helpful in preventing bone loss in patients with cirrhosis.

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 can reduce and even reverse loss of bone density.

Insulin Resistance

Nearly all patients with cirrhosis are insulin resistant. Insulin resistance is a primary feature in type 2 diabetes and occurs when the body is unable to use insulin. This hormone is important for delivering blood sugar and amino acids into cells and helps determine whether these nutrients will be burned for energy or stored for future use.

Other Complications

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One study reported that nearly a quarter of patients with cirrhosis had gallstones.

Click the icon to see an image of gallstones.

They may also face a higher than average risk for certain abnormal heart rhythms. Peptic ulcers, sleep disorders, and respiratory problems are also more common in people with cirrhosis than in the general population.