Liver Cirrhosis: How Dangerous Is It?

Last Updated on May 19, 2025 by Joseph Gut – thasso

May 16, 2025 – An article on german n-tv  titled “What is liver cirrhosis – and how dangerous is it?” sheds light on the serious condition of liver cirrhosis, particularly illustrated for the general public  in connection with the recent death of the singer Nadja Abd el Farrag, known in Germany  as “Naddel.” She died at the age of 60 from organ failure, presumably as a result of her long-standing alcohol problems and a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. The incidence, i.e., the number of new cases of liver cirrhosis in industrialized countries is estimated at  250 per 100,000 inhabitants per year. The ratio of affected men to women is 2:1.

It is estimated globally there were 10.6 million prevalent cases of decompensated cirrhosis and 112 million prevalent cases of compensated cirrhosis globally in 2017. Compared to the general population, patients with compensated cirrhosis and decompensated cirrhosis have a 5-fold and 10-fold increased risk of mortality, respectively. Liver cirrhosis is the most common cause of liver cancer. Patients at risk include people with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and those suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

What is liver cirrhosis? Liver cirrhosis is a chronic, progressive disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. This impairs vital liver functions, such as detoxification, metabolism, and protein production. In the final stages, the liver can no longer perform its functions, leading to serious complications.

Causes and Symptoms

The most common causes of liver cirrhosis are: a) Chronic alcohol consumption; long-term excessive alcohol consumption is one of the main causes; b) Viral hepatitis: Hepatitis B and C in particular can lead to cirrhosis over the years; c) Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Obesity, an unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise can lead to fatty liver disease, which can develop into cirrhosis; d) Autoimmune liver diseases: Diseases in which the immune system attacks the liver; and finally, e) Long-term medication use: Certain medications can damage the liver, especially if taken long-term.

The symptoms of liver cirrhosis often develop gradually and can include: a) Early symptoms: fatigue, exhaustion, weight loss, nausea, and pressure in the right upper abdomen, and b) Advanced symptoms: jaundice (icterus), abdominal dropsy (ascites), bleeding tendencies, mental changes (hepatic encephalopathy), and enlarged spleen.

Liver cirrhosis can also be dependent on genetic factors (genetic predisposition) and pose an increased risk for carriers of the corresponding genes or their variations. Here are some genetic diseases that can lead to liver cirrhosis: 1) Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that leads to an accumulation of defective alpha-1 antitrypsin in the liver cells and can cause liver damage even in childhood. 2) Hemochromatosis (type 1): an autosomal recessive disorder often caused by mutations in the HFE gene (e.g., C282Y). It leads to iron overload in the body, particularly in the liver. Untreated iron overload can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. 3) Wilson’s disease: an autosomal recessive copper metabolism disorder based on a mutation in the ATP7B gene. Copper accumulates in the liver and other organs, leading to cirrhosis. 4) Glycogen storage diseases (e.g., type IV): enzyme defects based on mutations in the GBE1 gene that lead to abnormal glycogen storage in the liver. Can progress to liver fibrosis and even cirrhosis.

5) Cystic fibrosis: Primarily a lung disease, but the liver can also be affected. Thickened bile flow can lead to bile duct changes and secondary biliary cirrhosis. The delF505 variation is responsible for this. 6) Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC): Rare autosomal recessive disorders with impaired bile secretion. PFIC2 is caused by mutations in the ABCB11 gene, with differences in ethnic groups. Leads to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis as early as childhood.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnostic procedures for liver cirrhosis include: History and physical examination: Taking a medical history and examining for physical signs, blood tests to assess liver function and detect liver enzymes, and imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI for assessment of liver structure and liver biopsy for histological examination.

Treatment aims to slow the progression of the disease and prevent complications through treatment of the underlying cause (e.g., antiviral therapy for hepatitis or alcohol abstinence), drug therapy to treat complications such as ascites or encephalopathy, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, weight loss, and avoidance of liver-damaging substances, and possibly liver transplantation as a last resort in advanced cirrhosis.

Watch a sequence on liver cirrhosis here:

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