02-23-2014, 07:12 PM
End stage liver disease usually represents irreversible damage to the liver but the cause of problem can affect prognosis. With compensated (aka your body is still able to function with the reserve that is left) cirrhosis the outcomes are much better with median survival over 12 years. Decompensated (aka your liver is FUBAR) cirrhosis the median survival is <6 months. Decompensated includes: Variceal hemorrhage (variceal means enlarged veins due to poor blood flow through the liver.. it backs up into the veins that lead up to it... Esophageal veins are one such branch that commonly ruptures and bleeds), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatocellular carcinoma. hepatorenal syndrome, hepatopulmonary syndrome.
For him since the main cause was alcoholism, abstinence would definitely improve life expectancy. How much longer depends on how far the liver damage has progressed to and if he has other health issues.
How is his kidney function?
Other co existing health issues?
What are his blood coagulation studies (PT, INR, bleeding time, platelet count)
Also what medications is he currently taking. Liver failure requires adjustment of many medications.
Does he have good insurance? Is he able to see a hepatic specialist?
I will send you an uptodate (aka wikipedia for doctors) article about cirrhosis fb message me your email.
For him since the main cause was alcoholism, abstinence would definitely improve life expectancy. How much longer depends on how far the liver damage has progressed to and if he has other health issues.
How is his kidney function?
Other co existing health issues?
What are his blood coagulation studies (PT, INR, bleeding time, platelet count)
Also what medications is he currently taking. Liver failure requires adjustment of many medications.
Does he have good insurance? Is he able to see a hepatic specialist?
I will send you an uptodate (aka wikipedia for doctors) article about cirrhosis fb message me your email.