Liver fibrosis is the process of scar tissue formation caused by changes in tissue composition that alter the normal structure of the liver. Scar tissue forms when healthy liver cells attempt to repair themselves from serious/long-term liver injury or injury. Fibrosis begins with repeated or long-term liver inflammation or injury. Liver inflammation and injury usually occur as a result of chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis B, hemochromatosis, or fatty liver. Untreated fibrosis can reduce liver function and interfere with its ability to heal itself. If inflammation persists, sufferers are at risk of developing more serious liver disease.
Epidemiological data reports that Liver Cirrhosis, which develops from Liver Fibrosis, has caused the death of more than 700 thousand people each year. Therefore, proper handling of this liver fibrosis disease will certainly have an impact on reducing deaths due to liver cirrhosis.
What causes liver fibrosis?
- The formation of fibrosis usually begins with a disease that attacks the liver. This disease causes injury or inflammation to the liver that lasts for years.
- Some chronic diseases that often attack the liver are:
- autoimmune hepatitis
- bile duct obstruction,
- hepatitis B and C,
- alcoholic liver disease
- non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and
- dangerous excess iron.
The liver will try to repair itself whenever it experiences injury or inflammation. This repair process requires many materials, especially protein. In this process, excess protein can accumulate in the liver tissue.
If the liver continues to experience injury or inflammation, the liver cells are no longer able to repair themselves. At the same time, excess proteins such as collagen and glycoproteins continue to accumulate and form scar tissue.
As the disease progresses, scar tissue can fill the entire organ. Untreated liver fibrosis can lead to cirrhosis, the final stage of liver disease that requires a liver transplant.
Symptoms of Liver Fibrosis
- Generally, liver fibrosis does not cause symptoms in the early stages, symptoms of liver fibrosis are only felt when liver damage becomes more widespread. Symptoms that arise can be:
- Decreased appetite
- Red palms
- Easily feel tired
- Nauseous
- Experienced significant weight loss
- Weak and lethargic
The above conditions are early symptoms of liver fibrosis. If liver fibrosis has reached the final stage, it will be accompanied by several other symptoms, such as:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Itchy skin
- Change in urine color to darker
- Swollen stomach and legs
- Changes in blood vessels around the navel
- Vomiting blood
- The color of the stool becomes black
- Breast enlargement in men
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Often confused when doing activities
- Hair loss
- Coma
Liver Fibrosis Treatment
Treatment for Liver Fibrosis is based on the cause and severity of the disease suffered by the patient. However, it should be noted that liver cirrhosis is a condition that cannot be cured, only treatment can be done to prevent worsening and treat complications along with alleviating symptoms.
Some of the treatment methods that are often recommended by doctors for liver fibrosis patients are as follows:
- Stopping the Habit of Drinking Alcohol
As discussed above, liver fibrosis is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with liver fibrosis and have a habit of drinking alcohol, try to stop it immediately.
- Low Salt Diet
Low salt diet is a treatment for Liver Fibrosis to reduce fluid buildup in the body. This effort also helps control ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen) and swelling in the body.
- Taking Medication According to Doctor's Recommendations
Although liver cirrhosis cannot be cured, doctors will prescribe several medications to treat triggers and help reduce the risk of further complications. Here are some medications prescribed by doctors according to triggers and symptoms based on the patient's condition.
- Vitamin K
- Blood clotting medication
- Corticosteroids
- Antibiotics
- Diuretic
- Antiviral drugs
The above methods are the steps for treating Liver Fibrosis which are given if the scar tissue has not completely disrupted liver function. If Liver Fibrosis has reached an advanced stage and the patient shows signs of complications, the doctor may recommend surgery or a liver transplant. This procedure is a follow-up step if the patient's condition does not improve after undergoing treatment.
Article written by dr. Farid Amansyah, Sp.PD, FINASIM (Internal Medicine Specialist, EMC Sentul Hospital).