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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Prognosis For Early Liver Cirrhosis?

Dear Doctor,
I have mild itching on the knees. No other symptoms of cirrhosis. L.F.T. is normal, Globulin, PT and INR are normal. I did a USG yesterday and the radiologists remarks are: " Liver normal in size- mildly abnormal echo structure
abnormal nodules on margins. - Early cirrhosis-

I have been having fatty liver due to alcoholic consumption for more than 10 years. I have no symptoms of any disease now.

I am gravely worried. Can you give me your opinion whether I have early cirrhosis and if so what is the prognosis.
Mon, 4 Aug 2014
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Gastroenterologist, Surgical 's  Response
Hi,
I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Fatty liver can be caused by excessive alcohol intake (Alcoholic steato hepatitis, ASH) or due to excessive fatty food intake and sedentary life style (Non-alcoholic steato hepatitis, NASH). ASH is usually the beginning stages of alcohol induced liver damage and is completely reversible if the patient refrains from alcohol. NASH is being much more commonly diagnosed currently owing to poor dietary habits and sedentary life styles of people. If left un-checked, in final stages it may lead to cirrhosis of the liver which will necessitate a liver transplant.
In your case, unfortunately, cirrhotic changes have already appeared, which is ir-reversible. But on the brighter side, it is very early cirrhosis, where you do not have any symptoms. You could go on to lead a completely normal life if you take precautions from now on.
1. Total and complete Abstinence is a must. Multiple research studies have shown that people who quit drinking after being diagnosed as cirrhotic, had a longer survival, experienced decreased disease progression and also delayed onset of liver failure and some even did not require a liver transplant during their life time.
2. A diagnostic upper GI endoscopy will be required to rule out varices ( a sign of portal hypertension due to cirrhosis). This will need treatment with medication and possible banding .
3. A urgent consultation with a medical gastro-enterologist so he can do a complete work up and start prophylactic medications if necessary.

I would also suggest a healthy diet and exercise regimen as well. Although there is no time limit on when to get a repeat scan, I would suggest one, once you have succeeded in losing some weight.

Hope this helped and please do not hesitate to contact me for further details - rxsuresh@gmail.com
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What Is The Prognosis For Early Liver Cirrhosis?

Hi, I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Fatty liver can be caused by excessive alcohol intake (Alcoholic steato hepatitis, ASH) or due to excessive fatty food intake and sedentary life style (Non-alcoholic steato hepatitis, NASH). ASH is usually the beginning stages of alcohol induced liver damage and is completely reversible if the patient refrains from alcohol. NASH is being much more commonly diagnosed currently owing to poor dietary habits and sedentary life styles of people. If left un-checked, in final stages it may lead to cirrhosis of the liver which will necessitate a liver transplant. In your case, unfortunately, cirrhotic changes have already appeared, which is ir-reversible. But on the brighter side, it is very early cirrhosis, where you do not have any symptoms. You could go on to lead a completely normal life if you take precautions from now on. 1. Total and complete Abstinence is a must. Multiple research studies have shown that people who quit drinking after being diagnosed as cirrhotic, had a longer survival, experienced decreased disease progression and also delayed onset of liver failure and some even did not require a liver transplant during their life time. 2. A diagnostic upper GI endoscopy will be required to rule out varices ( a sign of portal hypertension due to cirrhosis). This will need treatment with medication and possible banding . 3. A urgent consultation with a medical gastro-enterologist so he can do a complete work up and start prophylactic medications if necessary. I would also suggest a healthy diet and exercise regimen as well. Although there is no time limit on when to get a repeat scan, I would suggest one, once you have succeeded in losing some weight. Hope this helped and please do not hesitate to contact me for further details - rxsuresh@gmail.com