Cirrhosis refers to when hard scar tissues have replaced almost all the soft healthy tissues in your liver. Cirrhosis of the liver is one of the final stages of liver disease. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on A Mayo Clinic expert explains, Study finds that patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis have worse outcomes in recovering from critical illness, compared with other cirrhosis patients. A Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score, also known simply as the Child-Pugh score, is a clinical score that tells your doctors how severe your liver disease is and forecasts your expected survival rate. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Cirrhosis is a common cause of death worldwide. Death may be relatively sudden and unexpected. Get To Know What Possibly Could Be Causing Your Symptoms! Injured liver cells are replaced with scar tissue. This contraction also makes your liver hard. When symptoms do occur, they may include: Fatigue. Life expectancy depends on the stage and type. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier. For women, absence of or loss of periods not related to menopause. There are many possible causes of liver damage. Hepatic Encephalopathy: If the liver fails, it cannot eliminate toxins from the blood and eventually they accumulate in the brain. A damaged liver makes this more difficult and leads to weight loss and general weakness. 70% of Americans Don't Realize Alcohol is a Major Risk Factor for Cancer . But then, liver inflammation may not cause any discomfort. Primary liver cell cancer (4%). And you may experience severe skin itching. What is Alcohol Jaundice Symptoms And Diagnosis. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/01/2020. Fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. The signs and symptoms of Stage 4 Liver Cirrhosis is the same as that of stage 3. You and your medical team will need to assess if you are an appropriate candidate through a transplant evaluation. Alcohol is what has damaged your liver and caused all the symptoms you have right now. The damage leads to scarring, known as fibrosis. Often the course of liver disease is associated with an exacerbation of the underlying disease (Crohn's Disease/Ulcerative Colitis). Histologic scoring systems for chronic liver disease. Find out what the signs and symptoms are and how it can be treated and prevented. high blood pressure in the liver, or portal hypertension, which can then lead to enlarged veins and internal bleeding, fluid build-up in the abdomen, swelling in the lower extremities, and difficulty thinking, an abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen, and how it responds to treatment, normal levels of albumin, a protein made by the liver, high levels of bilirubin, which could mean the liver is not working properly, normal blood clotting time, or international normalized ratio (INR), creatinine, which can indicate kidney damage, laxatives to help rid the system of toxins, beta-blockers, to reduce portal hypertension, getting treatment for conditions that might have caused cirrhosis, such as hepatitis C or B, getting regular check-ups and prompt treatment for complications, avoiding taking vitamin C, if iron levels are high. But then, something interesting happens at this point. Physicians use CTP and MELD scores for guidance in referrals for liver transplants. Accessed Jan. 6, 2023. Blocked bile duct (can cause infections, backup of products in the liver). Make a donation. Surgery is a big undertaking, one that brings its own risks and complications, and it should always be a decision between you, your family, and your doctors. Is cirrhosis a death sentence? This scarring is called fibrosis (pronounced "fi- bro -sis"), and it happens little by little over many years. General abdominal pain and discomfort can also be related to swelling from fluid retention and enlargement of your spleen and liver caused by cirrhosis. (2018). Cirrhosis often has no symptoms until liver damage is severe. Portal hypertension: This is the most common serious complication. There may also be a correlation between alcohol and breast cancer. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Below is a list of some major symptoms associated with this ailment. Mayo Clinic. It can be fatal. Many types of liver diseases and conditions injure healthy liver cells, causing cell death and inflammation. Based on these scores, the system assigns people into different classes: Healthcare professionals will project the life expectancy of people with cirrhosis using CTP scores in the following chart: Physicians use the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) to estimate the life expectancy for people with cirrhosis, setting priorities for liver transplants. It is, therefore, very important to begin treating liver disease very early. Accessed Jan. 6, 2023. That is why its very important to start treatment on time if you have liver disease. When he came back he said something didn't feel right and just dropped. Your healthcare provider recognizes your condition based on your history, physical and lab findings. Early symptoms and signs of cirrhosis include: As liver function gets worse, other more commonly recognized symptoms of cirrhosis appear including: Yes, cirrhosis can be painful, especially as the disease worsens. This causes a physiopathological mechanism by increasing the pressure in the portal system. The symptoms of cirrhosis depend on the stage of your disease. High creatinine level (a sign of kidney disease that suggests late-stage cirrhosis). You are confused, irritable, disoriented, sleepy, forgetful or foggy.. Other liver-related diseases (2%). 1 When these substances enter the brain, they can cause a neurological condition called hepatic encephalopathy . Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Some specific liver diseases also have their own scoring systems. Mayo Clinic. A biopsy may also be required to identify the severity, extent and cause of liver damage. A varix is defined as an abnormally dilated, tortuous, vein with increased intraluminal pressure, and loss of vessel wall support. If you already have hepatitis, ask your provider if drug treatment is appropriate for you. By subscribing to decompensated cirrhosis and liver transplant content from Mayo Clinic, you have taken an important first step in gaining knowledge and using it for your overall health and well-being. Infections: Cirrhosis increases your risk of getting and fighting serious infections, such as bacterial peritonitis (infection of the tissue that lines the inner wall of your abdomen). Formation and dilation (expansion) of blood vessels in the lungs (, Failure of kidney function as a result of having portal hypertension as a complication of cirrhosis (, Confusion, difficulty thinking, changes in your behavior, even coma. If you'd like to learn even more about cirrhosis, watch our other related videos or visit mayoclinic.org. for video What is cirrhosis? There are many liver diseases and complications of liver diseases that can lead to cirrhosis. Decompensated cirrhosis: People with decompensated cirrhosis already experience symptoms and complications. Cirrhosis also causes an inflammatory state in your entire body. Cirrhosis may be caused by excess alcohol intake, hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, bile duct diseases and various hereditary conditions. Cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue and the liver is permanently damaged. Medications and procedures to treat cirrhosis symptoms include: According to the VA, although cirrhosis is progressive, some people with the condition can move from decompensated, or symptomatic, back to the asymptomatic stage. As their health deteriorates, patients often experience debilitating symptoms, psychological stress, family worries, financial problems, social stigma, and existential distress. This condition causes quick and premature destruction of blood cells. Cirrhosis is a late-stage result of liver disease and its complications. (2018). A typical liver (left) shows no signs of scarring. If you have been told you have cirrhosis, you have a late-stage liver disease and the damage that is already done is permanent. There may also be a backing up of water in your belly and/or legs. Take all medications for all your medical conditions as directed by your healthcare team. The scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver and slows the livers ability to process nutrients, hormones, drugs and natural toxins (poisons). We didn't think much of it because she was in her 70s. -Blood clotting is an apparent feature as the ailment progresses, and the infected person may bleed very easily. My husband 37 just barely 11/20/1980-12/14/2017. Second Edition 2, 33-42. Review/update the Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease. A darkening of the skin frequently referred to as "bronzing". An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), formerly known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is a disease caused by damage to bile ducts in the liver. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a sudden deterioration of the liver function in a patient with liver cirrhosis accompanied by failure of one or more organ systems. Jan. 8, 2023. This is a challenging process, although one of the critical steps is avoiding alcohol of any kind. This can be a life threatening condition. Life expectancy depends on the stage and. (https://www-wjgnet-com.ccmain.ohionet.org/1007-9327/full/v20/i18/5442.htm), (https://www.hepatitis.va.gov/cirrhosis/background/stages.asp), (https://www.statpearls.com/articlelibrary/viewarticle/19569/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, Yellow tint to your skin or the whites of your eyes (. Yes sadly very advanced liver cirrhosis can result in sudden death. Damage already done to your liver is permanent. Hemochromatosis, a condition that causes iron buildup in the body. 2022; doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2021.12.001. Cirrhosis is the result of long-term, continuous damage to the liver and may be due to many different causes. You and your medical team will discuss if you are a candidate for a liver transplant. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with When the enire liver is scarred, it shrinks and gets hard. Scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and prevents your liver from working normally. You may have hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a disorder caused by a buildup of toxins in the brain that can happen with advanced liver disease. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. The initial clinical manifestations of hemoperitoneum include pain and distension with increased abdominal diameter, besides dizziness or syncope. The scar tissue prevents the liver working properly. Signs of decreased mental functioning include confusion, personality changes, memory loss, concentration problems and change in sleep habits. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Sudden or progressive loss of functional independence Weight loss or reduced appetite Inability to work Patient spends the majority of time sitting or lying in bed Confusion, cognitive impairment Abdominal distention Malaise Bowel dysfunction Breathing difficulties Itchy skin Restlessness Altered mood and behavior In describing the damage to the liver and long-term excessive alcohol intake, put the following terms in order, starting from the first to occur to the last to develop. For people with cirrhosis, there is a close link between life expectancy and the number of symptoms and complications they experience. When you have cirrhosis, you may bruise or bleed easily. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health The death certificate issued for actress Elizabeth Pea shows "cirrhosis of the liver due to alcohol" as one of the four listed causes of her sudden death last week. Anyways, if you begin treatment at this stage, your liver still has the chance to heal up over time. Early symptoms of cirrhosis may include feeling tired or weak poor appetite losing weight without trying nausea and vomiting mild pain or discomfort in the upper right side of your abdomen As liver function gets worse, you may have other symptoms, including bruising and bleeding easily These are more likely to happen when cirrhosis reaches its end-stage. Inflammation and your bodys reaction to inflammation can cause general pain. Your lab work and imaging findings may not be abnormal. When the damaged tissue accumulates enough to interrupt liver functioning, it puts your health in serious jeopardy. These drugs can cause or worsen liver function. Alcohol use disorder (alcohol-related liver disease) caused by long-term [chronic] use of alcohol. Options include surgery to remove part of your liver or your whole liver (to be replaced with a new liver as part of a liver transplantation) and nonsurgical tumor-destroying methods including ablation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy (drugs zero in on cancer genes or tissue), immunotherapy and radiation bead therapy (inject bead that give off radiation into the blood vessels that feed the tumor). As more scar tissue forms in the liver, it becomes harder for it to function. These foods can contain a bacteria that can cause serious illness. Learn more about the stages, signs, treatments and more here. But according to Dr. Wakim-Fleming, women are more sensitive to drug or alcohol-related liver disease than men due in part to their body composition. Often, cirrhosis shows no signs or symptoms until liver damage is extensive. ), (https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/fibrosis-and-cirrhosis/cirrhosis), (https://gastro.org/practice-guidance/gi-patient-center/topic/cirrhosis/). Jaundice: Jaundice occurs when the diseased liver does not remove enough bilirubin from the blood, which causes a yellowing of the skin and the sclera of the eyes, and darkening of the urine. They may also recommend imaging tests like an MR elastogram that checks for scarring in the liver or an MRI of the abdomen, CT scan or an ultrasound. trichloroethylene. When blood flow through veins is partially blocked, veins in your esophagus, stomach or intestines can become enlarged (a condition called varices). Stage I: Steatosis The first stage of liver disease is characterized by inflammation of the bile duct or liver. Not everyone with these risk factors develop cirrhosis. Find the latest information from the globally recognized leader in digestive diagnosis, treatments and surgical innovations. HIGHLIGHTS who: Enrico Pompili and MD from the ItalyDepartment of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of, Italy have published the article: Low hemoglobin level Predicts early hospital readmission in patients with cirrhosis and acute decompensation, in the Journal: (JOURNAL) what: Jo ur n al P re -p Thus, the aim of this study was to Low hemoglobin level predicts early hospital . Learn more about cirrhosis from transplant hepatologist Sumera Ilyas, M.B.B.S. You have a change in your level of consciousness or alertness; you pass out. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Friedman SL, et al. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. There is a problem with A major variceal bleed is one of the several causes of sudden death in cirrhosis. These actions include: Follow other tips listed under the Prevention section in this article. The Gastroenterologists Guide to Preventive Management of Compensated Cirrhosis. In this video, we'll cover the basics of cirrhosis. According to a study published Wednesday in BMJ by Tapper and a colleague, fatal liver disease has risen, and young people have been hit the hardest. When cancer starts in the liver, it is called liver cancer. However, those who drink too much alcohol, those who are overweight and those with viral hepatitis are at a greater risk. That is the next stage in the timeline. "And cirrhosis is not a death sentence." Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, a physician affiliated with Tri-City Medical Center, said cirrhosis is a result of repeated liver damage. Inflammation is a sign that your bodys immune system is healing up an injury or combating an infection. Inherited disorders of sugar metabolism, such as galactosemia or glycogen storage disease. This increase in pressure is caused by a blockage of blood flow through your liver as a result of cirrhosis. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. Put simply, cirrhosis is scarring of the liver. Easily bleeding or bruising. Hepatic fibrosis 2022: Unmet needs and a blueprint for the future. Esophageal Varices and Gastropathy: When portal hypertension occurs, it can cause enlarged blood vessels in the esophagus, called varices, or in the stomach, called gastropathy, or both. The damage done by cirrhosis typically cannot be undone. You can easily reverse inflammation. About 10% of heavy drinkers develop cirrhosis, which is the third stage of alcohol-related . And even in the most severe cases, liver transplants and new treatments provide those suffering from cirrhosis with hope. This liver. Those with cirrhosis often develop kidney problems, intestinal bleeding, fluid in the belly, confusion, liver cancer, and severe infections. Thornton, K. T. (2018). Bruising and Bleeding. The accumulation of toxins in the brain, called hepatic encephalopathy, can cause a decrease in mental functioning and coma. For men, loss of sex drive, testicular shrinkage or breast enlargement, known as gynecomastia. Liver transplantation in adults: Patient selection and pretransplantation evaluation. This content does not have an English version. And if you don't treat cirrhosis on time, your liver will eventually fail and that is almost certain to cause death. What to know about alcoholic liver disease? Is exercise more effective than medication for depression and anxiety? Malnutrition: Your liver processes nutrients. It is a serious condition, causing scarring and permanent damage to the liver. This can make your abdomen enlarge like a balloon filled with water. How Do You Die from Cirrhosis of the Liver? Cirrhosis. Splenomegaly: When portal hypertension occurs, the spleen often enlarges and retains white blood cells and platelets, decreasing the number of these cells in the blood. Liver specialists and researchers have developed many different scoring systems to predict outcome and to guide treatment for chronic liver disease. The most common causes of cirrhosis of the liver are: Anything that damages the liver can lead to cirrhosis. People having cirrhosis of the liver are at a higher risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer) and will die because of this, not good either. Hypotension is almost universal. Abdominal pain. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The pancreas tries to satisfy the demand for insulin by producing more, but excess glucose accumulates in the bloodstream and causes type 2 diabetes. Liver failure: Many diseases and conditions cause liver failure including cirrhosis of the liver. Dove LM, et al. Since you may not have any symptoms in the early stages of the disease, cirrhosis is often detected through routine blood tests or checkups. Studies of sudden nonviolent deaths illustrate the largely unrecognized and frequent occurrence of sudden death with autopsy findings limited solely to fatty liver. This serious condition can be caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis or chronic alcoholism. Hepatitis damages the liver, making it less able to move bilirubin into the bile ducts. If you have obesity or diabetes, you will need to lose weight and manage your blood sugar so you can lower the damage caused by fatty liver disease. The cause of death was concluded as hemoperitoneum, due to rupture of mesenteric varices, cirrhosis, due to chronic alcoholism. We avoid using tertiary references. It is a progressive illness that might take several years to develop. Your liver may keep working even when you have cirrhosis. If you have cirrhosis, you have an increased risk of liver cancer. Feldman M, et al., eds. Accessed 10/11/2020. There are some additions - Confusion Extreme sleepiness Hand tremors Personality changes Kidney failure leading to reduced urination High fever Infection in the abdominal cavity. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Learn about metabolism and what to eat for a healthy liver. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Ascites (fluid in the belly) Cirrhosis for Patients. Ongoing viral hepatitis (hepatitis B, C and D). (2018) Clinical Features of Liver Disease. All rights reserved. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD), also called alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD), is a term that encompasses the liver manifestations of alcohol overconsumption, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and chronic hepatitis with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.. Other complications of cirrhosis of the liver that may lead to death are: Edema and Ascites: When the hepatic damage is in an advanced stage, liquid is accumulated in the legs (edema) and in the abdomen (ascites). This is the process we call fibrosis. ; As the body strives to fight against the disease or . Having cirrhosis means your liver has scar tissue in it because it has been damaged. Overview of cirrhosis. When symptoms do occur, they may first include fatigue; weakness and weight loss; nausea; bruising or bleeding easily; swelling in your legs, feet or ankles; itchy skin; redness on the palms of your hands; and spider-like blood vessels on your skin. You may not feel it when inflammation affects only a little portion of your liver. Cirrhosis and its complications: Evidence based treatment. However, some of the diseases that can cause liver damage that lead to cirrhosis are inherited diseases. If you have end-stage cirrhosis, dont lose hope. Accessed Jan. 5, 2023. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. This questionnaire is commonly used in routine health care to detect alcohol beers and dependency and is known by the acronym. Fibrosis is the medical term for the formation of these scar tissues. Your poop (stools) are black and tarry or contain blood (may be maroon or bright red in color). Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. The leading causes of death in people with liver cirrhosis are ( reference ): Liver-related causes of death (57%): Acute liver failure on top of liver cirrhosis (24%). Spontaneous hemoperitoneum secondary to rupture of intraabdominal varices is a serious and often deadly condition. Many types of liver diseases and conditions injure healthy liver cells, causing cell death and inflammation. Most people with liver disease report abdominal pain. Medical Clinics of North America. There are many complications of cirrhosis of the liver. 0:00. This scarring does not happen all of a sudden. Is cirrhosis a death sentence? During later stages, you might develop jaundice, which is yellowing of the eyes or skin; gastrointestinal bleeding; abdominal swelling from fluid building up in the belly; and confusion or drowsiness. Cirrhosis can cause various lethal complications. This means eating a healthful diet is crucial for those with this condition. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Who gets it? As liver tissue is lost, progressive liver failure occurs. Once the liver stops functioning, an organ transplant may be an option. If your doctor finds something suspicious, further blood tests may be necessary. Cirrhosis and its sequelae. Study finds homoeopathy causes severe liver injury, doctors condemn public funding. Cirrhosis is severe scarring of the liver. That is when there is no more healthy tissue (or not enough) to compensate for the damaged portion of your liver. Acetaminophen can be taken safely at a dose up to 2,000 mg daily. Brewtus Jun 26, 2015 4:36 PM I lost the love of my life 5 weeks and 1 day ago, at the age of 40. You and your doctors will discuss if this is an option for you. About 2% of American adults have liver disease, and therefore are at risk of developing cirrhosis. Facts about . Swelling in the legs, feet or ankles, called edema. Fatigue. Cirrhosis itself is not an inherited (passed from parent to child) disease. Poorly formed bile ducts, a condition known as biliary atresia. If liver damage is caused by a virus, it will eventually cause cirrhosis, except you properly treat it. The liver is the only human organ capable of growing back. It affects a lot of things, like your . Life expectancy depends on several factors including the cause and severity of your cirrhosis, your response to treatments, the presence of cirrhosis complications, your age and any other existing general health problems. . The liver is your largest internal organ. It causes the liver to swell, which can eventually lead to cirrhosis. Autoimmune hepatitis, which is a liver disease caused by the body's immune system. This causes a greater sensitivity of the person to the medicines and their side effects. Treating the cause of the cirrhosis is also crucial. You will receive the first liver transplant and decompensated cirrhosis email in your inbox shortly. Medical Videos Privacy Policy, Images and Text Policy Editorial Policy, Information Policy Advertising Policy, Financial Disclosure Policy Cookie Policy, About Us Contact Us. (https://www.gastroenterologyandhepatology.net/archives/august-2019/the-gastroenterologists-guide-to-preventive-management-of-compensated-cirrhosis/), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1904420/), (https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pulmonary-disorders/pulmonary-hypertension/hepatopulmonary-syndrome). Accessed Jan. 5, 2023. Scar tissue keeps your liver from working properly. Treatments of portal hypertension include: Bacterial peritonitis: Antibiotics and infusion of a protein (albumin) will be prescribed. Even though not all occurrences are due to alcohol abuse, people with this condition can benefit from avoiding alcohol completely, as experts recommend. Cirrhosis causes the liver to slow or stop production of proteins needed for blood clotting. Cirrhosis is usually a result of liver damage from conditions such as hepatitis B or C, or chronic alcohol use. Despite its severity, the condition is not rare. I know what cirrhosis does to the body because I lived thru it all. Maintain a weight that's healthy for you. However, most people who have liver cancer have cirrhosis. Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC): Definition, Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications, Home Remedies, Cirrhosis Of Liver: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications. Cirrhosis is classified into four stages that include:. Irregular bumps (nodules) replace the smooth liver tissue and the liver becomes harder. But if you dont, it progresses to the next stage in the death timeline fibrosis. Avoid high-risk behaviors that can lead to infection with hepatitis B or C, such as sharing needles for illegal drug use or having unprotected sex. Only a portion of the donor liver needs to be transplanted. Although there is no cure for cirrhosis, treatments can delay or stop its progress and reduce complications. A wide range of diseases and conditions can damage the liver and lead to cirrhosis. All rights reserved. More so, there are but limited options for cirrhosis, talk less of when its in the end-stage. Portal hypertension is responsible for the appearance of esophageal varices, it also generates intraabdominal varicosities dilatations, especially in the perisplenic and mesenteric veins, as well as esophageal, and they are susceptible to breaking and bleeding within the peritoneal cavity. See your healthcare provider regularly for check-ups. Cirrhosis is the last and irreversible stage of deterioration of the liver, represented by the destruction of the parenchyma (it is the functional component of the liver, composed of hepatocytes that filter the blood to eliminate toxins) and the formation of fibrotic regeneration nodules, mainly related to viral diseases such as Hepatitis B or C, The percentage of Americans who get liver cancer rose for several decades . Gallstones: If cirrhosis does not allow the free flow of bile to and from the gallbladder, bile hardens and gallstones form. Acute liver failure together with bleeding varices (13%). But then, if inflammation continues and becomes chronic, it may begin to cause some liver damage. Confusion, difficulty thinking, memory loss, personality changes. This can lead to liver failure. Compensated cirrhosis means you have cirrhosis but you dont yet have noticeable symptoms (you are asymptomatic). Those are reversible. Tips for Recovery from Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Signs Your Liver Is Healing, Best Vegan Meal Plan for Fatty Liver Disease, High Protein Vegan Recipes You Should Try, Bariatric Surgery Diet Pre Op and Post Op: What You Should Know, New Year New Me: How to Strive for Weight Loss, What You Need to Know About High Functioning Depression and How to Manage It. MORE: Ascites can cause bacterial peritonitis, which is a serious infection. Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B. Lower than normal levels of albumin and blood clotting factors (lower levels means your liver has lost its ability to make these proteins).