Complications of Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease in which there is significant scarring (fibrosis) of the liver. It can bring with it a range of complications, from easy bruising or bleeding to a buildup of toxins in the brain, to potentially fatal conditions such as kidney failure and liver cancer.

In fact, more than a million people throughout the world die from complications of cirrhosis each year. Forty thousand of those fatalities occur in the United States, making cirrhosis the 11th leading cause of death in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The signs of liver disease aren't always obvious, though. The early stages can last for years or even decades. During this time, the spread of fibrosis might not bring on any noticeable symptoms. By the time symptoms and/or complications are recognized, liver damage has most likely already progressed to cirrhosis.

How Cirrhosis Develops

The scarring that eventually leads to cirrhosis and its complications is largely due to inflammation caused by persistent and ongoing damage to the liver. This damage can be the result of a number of health problems. The most common of these are:

• Chronic heavy drinking of alcohol
• Hepatitis (in particular types B and C)
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Less common causes of cirrhosis include obstructed bile ducts of the liver and gallbladder, autoimmune hepatitis, and hereditary conditions such as Wilson's disease (a buildup of copper in the liver) or hemochromatosis (a buildup of iron in the liver).​

Complications of Cirrhosis

Although a healthy liver is able to repair itself, the damage is often too extensive once it becomes cirrhotic. Widespread scarring inhibits blood flow to the liver, which in turn compromises its primary functions.

These normal functions include processing nutrients from food, making bile, building proteins, and removing toxins such as bilirubin (the reddish-brown compound that results from the breakdown of red blood cells) from the blood.

It's easy to see how serious complications, including liver failure, can develop as a result of cirrhosis.

Summary

Cirrhosis of the liver causes extensive scarring and inflammation that can lead to moderate to very serious complications. When caught early and with effective treatment, the chances of slowing the progression of the disease are greater. This can help extend life-expectancy after diagnosis.

Regularly visiting with your medical team to review how your condition is progressing is important. This allows for adjustments to your treatment plan, as well as early identification, intervention and treatment of any complications that may arise.

A Word From Verywell

Cirrhosis and the accompanying fibrosis causes significant damage to the liver. Without proper treatment, the scarring and damage will worsen and can quickly lead to various complications, such as easy bruising and bleeding, gallstones, or liver cancer.

A diagnosis of cirrhosis doesn't mean you have an immediate fatal condition. By following an effective treatment plan set out by your healthcare team, you can help slow the progression of cirrhosis and delay or prevent possible complications—especially if caught early.