Cirrhosis, pronounced suh-ROH-sis, is the result of chronic liver disease, where the liver is scarred and no longer functions properly. This causes many complications, including build up of fluid in the abdomen, bleeding disorders, increased pressure in the blood vessels and brain function disorders.

The liver, the largest organ in the body, is essential in keeping the body functioning properly. It removes or neutralizes poisons from the blood, produces immune agents to control infection, and removes germs and bacteria from the blood. It makes proteins that regulate blood clotting and produces bile to help absorb fats and fat soluble vitamins. You cannot live without a functioning liver.

In cirrhosis of the liver, scar tissue replaces normal, healthy tissue, blocking the flow of blood through the organ and preventing it from working as it should. Cirrhosis is the 12th leading cause of death by disease, killing about 26,000 people each year. Also, the cost of cirrhosis in terms of human suffering, hospital costs, and lost productivity is high.

For More Information About Cirrhosis of the Liver

American Liver Foundation (ALF)
75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603
New York, NY 10038 4810
Phone 1 800 GO LIVER (465-4837)
1-888-4HEP-USA (443-7872)
or 212-668-1000
Fax 212-483-8179
Email info@liverfoundation.org
Internet www.liverfoundation.org

Hepatitis Foundation International
504 Blick Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20904 2901
Phone 1-800-891-0707 or 301-622-4200
Fax 301-622-4702
Email hfi@comcast.net
Internet www.hepfi.org

United Network for Organ Sharing
P.O. Box 2484
Richmond, VA 23218
Phone 1-888-894-6361 or 804-782-4800
Internet www.unos.org

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892 3570
Phone 1-800-891-5389
Fax 703-738-4929
Email nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov

Source: digestive.niddk.nih.gov – December 2003