Liver Cirrhosis Treatment

A team of researchers from the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in New Delhi and the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Guwahati has discovered a novel approach for treating liver cirrhosis, which could bring new hope to those suffering from this severe liver condition.

About Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a progressive and irreversible scarring of the liver tissue caused by various conditions over a long period. As the disease progresses, healthy liver tissue gets replaced by scar tissue, impairing liver function.

Causes of Cirrhosis:

• Alcohol consumption: Chronic alcoholism can lead to cirrhosis.

• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): A condition where fat accumulates in the liver causing inflammation and damage.

• Hepatitis B and C: Viral infections that lead to chronic liver inflammation and damage.

Symptoms of Cirrhosis:

• Fatigue and tiredness.

• Easy bruising or bleeding.

• Loss of appetite and weight loss.

• Edema: Swelling of the legs, feet, or ankles.

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes (in advanced stages).

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Cirrhosis is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making early detection crucial. Once diagnosed, the disease can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes such as:

• Abstinence from alcohol.

• Antiviral medications for viral infections like hepatitis B and C.

• Nutritional support and medications to reduce complications such as swelling and bleeding.

Breakthrough Discovery in Treatment

The collaborative research conducted by ILBS and NIPER has introduced a new approach in treating liver cirrhosis. While the specifics of the treatment strategy have not been detailed in the update, the discovery could involve new drug formulations, novel therapeutic techniques, or targeted interventions that aim to reverse or halt the progression of cirrhosis.

This breakthrough is significant because, traditionally, cirrhosis has been considered an irreversible condition once it reaches the later stages. The current research could lead to more effective treatments that not only manage cirrhosis but potentially regenerate liver tissue or address the root causes of scarring.