Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Diagnosed With Liver Cirrhosis. Taking Ursodeoxycholic Acid. History Of Indigestion, Stomach Bloating. Advise
Question: Hi my name is XXXXXX. i live in California, US. My father is in India . please help me to understand and the steps need to be taken about his condition. had digestion problem and Stomach bloating problem since long time . But 2 years ago because of the high fever he was admitted in a local hospital . blood platelets counts went down to 60,000. there they couldn't find out the problem. After a while a doctor in Gastroenterlogy research institute found out that he has cirrhosis by understanding all the symptoms and they did blood test after that in which the gamma level was hight . Abdomen scan was done after that . Finally they did HEPA SCAN . And about the HEPA TEST he is telling that 75% of 230 liver cells has cirrhosis. He is taking ursodeoxycholic acid 300mg tablets
Hi,
Thank you for the query.
Well likely your father has cirrhosis of liver. Cirrhosis is an almost irreversible state of liver damage leading to shrinkage and associated of permanent loss of liver function. It is associated with complications like swelling of feet, water in stomach (ascites), low cell counts like low hemoglobin, white cell count, platelets (as in his case), gastro intestinal bleed due to veins in esophagus (varices).
In addition they are vulnerable to disease like abnormal behavior (encephalopathy) and frequent infections due to low immunity. Gamma levels as in if you mean gamma GT levels then it is usually in those abuse alcohol, if it is so in your fathers case then he need to strictly abstain from it. By hepa scan if you mean the liver scan which is an relatively insensitive test to see for residual liver functions and not done widely as it does not alter prognosis.
What is important is to determine the cause of liver cirrhosis and treat it if possible. you need to look for above mentioned complications and prevent them and address them on an urgent basis when they happen.
Need to stop alcohol if he is consuming it. Ursodeoxycholic acid may be supportive though not much effective. Also need to keep liver transplant as an option after discussing with your gastroenterologist.
Hope this answers your query.
Wish him an healthy life ahead.
Thank you for the query.
Well likely your father has cirrhosis of liver. Cirrhosis is an almost irreversible state of liver damage leading to shrinkage and associated of permanent loss of liver function. It is associated with complications like swelling of feet, water in stomach (ascites), low cell counts like low hemoglobin, white cell count, platelets (as in his case), gastro intestinal bleed due to veins in esophagus (varices).
In addition they are vulnerable to disease like abnormal behavior (encephalopathy) and frequent infections due to low immunity. Gamma levels as in if you mean gamma GT levels then it is usually in those abuse alcohol, if it is so in your fathers case then he need to strictly abstain from it. By hepa scan if you mean the liver scan which is an relatively insensitive test to see for residual liver functions and not done widely as it does not alter prognosis.
What is important is to determine the cause of liver cirrhosis and treat it if possible. you need to look for above mentioned complications and prevent them and address them on an urgent basis when they happen.
Need to stop alcohol if he is consuming it. Ursodeoxycholic acid may be supportive though not much effective. Also need to keep liver transplant as an option after discussing with your gastroenterologist.
Hope this answers your query.
Wish him an healthy life ahead.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
He stopped taking alcohol since he got sick . he used to take more alcohol when Thank you very much for replying . he was in 20's after that he used to drink occasionally. Doctor dint tell him the cause of liver cirrhosis. regarding Gamma level he told me it is related to bilirubin . What is the heap test result 75% out of 230 means.
after stated taking pills he became normal for few days and again his abdomen is swollen now. Doctor advised him to take those pills and come back once swollen abdomen become normal. He is taking more of liquids as food. and he is taking food without salt , chili powder . what steps do he need to take to make is abdomen normal ? will these pills(Ursodeoxycholic acid). help him as Doctor told him ?
In case of liver transplantation , how much its gonna cost approximately ? and which hospital is the best for that ? do we have to wait long time to find liver needed to be transplanted with ?
after stated taking pills he became normal for few days and again his abdomen is swollen now. Doctor advised him to take those pills and come back once swollen abdomen become normal. He is taking more of liquids as food. and he is taking food without salt , chili powder . what steps do he need to take to make is abdomen normal ? will these pills(Ursodeoxycholic acid). help him as Doctor told him ?
In case of liver transplantation , how much its gonna cost approximately ? and which hospital is the best for that ? do we have to wait long time to find liver needed to be transplanted with ?
Hello XXXXXX
Thank you for the query,
I am not sure about the heap test you are talking. Did you mean HEPA scan?
Swollen abdomen suggest he had ascites or fluid in abdomen which usually means an advanced disease. He need to restrict salt to 2 grams a days and no need to avoid chilli in diet. Also increase proteins in diet with medications will help to reduce swelling. Ursodeoxycholic acid may not help much.
Well about transplant it may cost you 25 to 35 lakhs approximately. It is done in larger centers like Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad in hospitals like global, apollo.
Cadaveric liver transplant (from a dead donor ) will definitely take some time and has a variable waiting list.
Hope this answers your query.
Wish him an healthy life ahead.
Thank you for the query,
I am not sure about the heap test you are talking. Did you mean HEPA scan?
Swollen abdomen suggest he had ascites or fluid in abdomen which usually means an advanced disease. He need to restrict salt to 2 grams a days and no need to avoid chilli in diet. Also increase proteins in diet with medications will help to reduce swelling. Ursodeoxycholic acid may not help much.
Well about transplant it may cost you 25 to 35 lakhs approximately. It is done in larger centers like Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad in hospitals like global, apollo.
Cadaveric liver transplant (from a dead donor ) will definitely take some time and has a variable waiting list.
Hope this answers your query.
Wish him an healthy life ahead.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you for the reply. yes it is HEPA scan . i mistyped it . swelling of abdomen is only his major problem right now. he consulted three specialists in ASIAN GASTRO ENTROLOGY, XXXXXXX and NIMS, but doctors dint even explain clearly anything they just prescribed some medications and sent him home saying that it will help him. i am thinking to save money and get his liver transplanted may be after two years. i am only worried if his condition will get worse . do you suggest any hospital in hyderabad or do you want him to take an appointment with you ?
Hi Mr XXXXXXX
If he has swelling in abdomen, it suggests ascites (water in stomach).
If he has ascites, then it is an advanced liver disease and likely, he needs transplant, may be as early as possible.
I think you should consider a workup on the same lines and keep things ready before hand, as you may need to arrange a donor also since cadaver livers are not easily available.
You do not need to get him to see me. As of now, Nagpur does not have liver transplant facilities.
Global hospital and Apollo Chennai and Hyderabad have transplant facility with Chennai better experienced for the same.
Best wishes..
If he has swelling in abdomen, it suggests ascites (water in stomach).
If he has ascites, then it is an advanced liver disease and likely, he needs transplant, may be as early as possible.
I think you should consider a workup on the same lines and keep things ready before hand, as you may need to arrange a donor also since cadaver livers are not easily available.
You do not need to get him to see me. As of now, Nagpur does not have liver transplant facilities.
Global hospital and Apollo Chennai and Hyderabad have transplant facility with Chennai better experienced for the same.
Best wishes..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Thank you very much for your suggestion and help . One last question what does 75% in HEPA SCAN suggest us ? my dad told me 75 out of 230 something .
Hi,
Thank you for the query.
Most probably it is the gall bladder ejection fraction (75% ); but i wont be sure till i see the report. Is it possible to send me a scanned copy of the report then I will be in a better position to explain it. You have a feature to upload reports on this webpage, you may use it.
Hope this answers your query.
Regards
Thank you for the query.
Most probably it is the gall bladder ejection fraction (75% ); but i wont be sure till i see the report. Is it possible to send me a scanned copy of the report then I will be in a better position to explain it. You have a feature to upload reports on this webpage, you may use it.
Hope this answers your query.
Regards
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
