12 early signs of Liver Cirrhosis you need to know

In this video we explore Liver cirrhosis, some of the common symptoms that we see in this condition and explain what you need to do to reduce your risk of this condition.
We talk about the following causes:
Loss of appetite: In liver cirrhosis, the levels of hunger hormones such as leptin are abnormal. Specifically, leptin levels are elevated, which suppresses the feeling of hunger and increases the amount of energy the body uses up. This abnormality in hunger hormones leads to a loss of appetite.
Weight loss: The imbalance in hunger hormones and reduced appetite often result in decreased food intake, leading to weight loss over time.
Thrombocytopenia (low platelets): The liver, in its healthy state, produces platelets, which are crucial for blood clotting. However, in liver cirrhosis, healthy cells are replaced by scar tissue, impairing the liver's ability to produce an adequate number of platelets. Thrombocytopenia, characterized by low platelet counts, increases the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Signs of bleeding: Thrombocytopenia and impaired liver function contribute to a higher risk of bleeding. Individuals with liver cirrhosis may experience easy or excessive bruising and prolonged bleeding from minor cuts or injuries.
Presence of deranged liver function blood tests: Liver cirrhosis causes damage to liver cells, resulting in the leakage of liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of these enzymes in blood tests indicate liver damage.
Jaundice: In liver cirrhosis, the liver struggles to process bilirubin, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is responsible for the yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice, due to its deposition in these tissues.
Spider angiomas: Liver cirrhosis affects the body's metabolism of sex hormones, particularly estrogen. Increased levels of circulating estrogen have been linked to the development of spider angiomas, which are spider-like blood vessels visible on the skin.
Excess breast tissue development in men: Elevated estrogen levels in liver cirrhosis can lead to hormonal imbalances, resulting in gynecomastia, the development of excess breast tissue in men.
Development of esophageal varices: Liver cirrhosis causes a blockage of regular blood flow to the liver due to scar tissue formation. This leads to the development of enlarged veins in the esophagus, known as esophageal varices. These varices are prone to rupture, causing life-threatening internal bleeding.
Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen): Increased pressure in the surrounding vessels of the liver, resulting from the blockage of regular blood flow due to scar tissue, can lead to the enlargement of the spleen.
Ascites: Liver dysfunction leads to increased pressure in the main vein supplying the liver, resulting in fluid accumulation within the abdomen, known as ascites.
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: This occurs when bacteria infiltrate the fluid accumulated in the abdominal cavity
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Studies used in this video:
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30266... disease accounts for approximately,viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti... liver disease%2C ghrelin levels,36%2C51%2C52]
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Who am I?
I'm Dr Derek Adu-Sarkodie. I'm a GP and I'm incredibly passionate about medical education. I hold roles as a GP educator and also lead a region in the North West as the clinical lead for workforce and education. I have also obtained post graduate qualifications in medical education.
Teaching is my passion and I feel strongly about creating free and accessible educational resources.
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This video is intended for educational purposes only. The information covered within this video or on this channel is not meant to replace advice from a healthcare professional. Therefore, if you have any medical problems please contact your healthcare provider. All information provided should be verified for its accuracy by the individual. Although, every effort is made to give accurate and up to date information, Adu Med accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data. The statements made through this video are not to be used to diagnose, treat or prevent health conditions. The transmission of the material on this video/ channel or the receipt of this information by yourself does not represent a doctor-patient relationship with myself, Dr Adu-Sarkodie.

[@user-gu5xn3el3x]

Great video, thanks for clarifying a really misunderstood topic!

[@adumed]

Thanks for your kind words

[@mosesmuller8771]

Once again, you deliver the facts in the best way possible! Love it!

[@adumed]

Thanks for your kind words