Assessment
Cirrhosis is a scarring process in which liver cells are unable to function. Cirrhosis is caused by several different factors, most commonly the Hepatitis B and C viruses and alcohol use. A blood test measures abnormal liver function, a warning sign of cirrhosis.
Examples of abnormal liver function include:
- Increased or prolonged prothrombin time, also called a P.T. ("thin" blood) is now called an "INR." The INR number increases as the liver fails.
- High bilirubin, greater than 2.0 mg/dL
- Low albumin, less than 3.5 mg/dL
- Low cholesterol, less than 100 mg/dL
- Low platelets (cells involved in blood clotting), less than 100,000
Other warning signs that occur with abnormal liver function are:
- Swelling of the feet or abdomen (ascites)
- Encephalopathy
- Loss of memory
- Sleeping more than usual during the day and difficulty sleeping at night
- Vomiting blood or passing bloody, purple or black bowel movements
- Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)
- Asterixis, a hand-flapping tremor, frequently seen in hepatic encephalopathy.
- Loss of muscle
The risk of liver cancer is increased with the presence of cirrhosis. Screening tests for liver cancer include the following:
- A liver scan, which is an ultrasound of the liver
- A liver cancer marker test known as the alpha-fetoprotein blood test
- Other more advanced testing may be recommended
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