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Cirrhosis

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Causes of Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis, pronounced suh-ROH-sis, has various causes. In the United States:

• Alcohol Consumption & Chronic Hepatitis C
  Heavy alcohol consumption and chronic hepatitis C have been the most common causes of cirrhosis.
• Obesity & Chronic Hepatitis C
  Obesity is becoming a common cause of cirrhosis, either as the sole cause or in combination with alcohol, hepatitis C, or both.

Many people with cirrhosis have more than one cause of liver damage.

Cirrhosis is not caused by trauma to the liver or other acute, or short-term, causes of damage. Usually years of chronic injury are required to cause cirrhosis.

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

Most people who consume alcohol do not suffer damage to the liver. But heavy alcohol use over several years can cause chronic injury to the liver. The amount of alcohol it takes to damage the liver varies greatly from person to person.

For women, consuming two to three drinks - including beer and wine - per day and for men, three to four drinks per day, can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis. In the past, alcohol-related cirrhosis led to more deaths than cirrhosis due to any other cause.

Deaths caused by obesity-related cirrhosis are increasing.

Chronic Hepatitis C

The hepatitis C virus is a liver infection that is spread by contact with an infected person's blood. Chronic hepatitis C causes inflammation and damage to the liver over time that can lead to cirrhosis.

Chronic Hepatitis B and D

The hepatitis B virus is a liver infection that is spread by contact with an infected person's blood, semen, or other body fluid. Hepatitis B, like hepatitis C, causes liver inflammation and injury that can lead to cirrhosis. The hepatitis B vaccine is given to all infants and many adults to prevent the virus. Hepatitis D is another virus that infects the liver and can lead to cirrhosis, but it occurs only in people who already have hepatitis B.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

In Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), fat builds up in the liver and eventually causes cirrhosis. This increasingly common liver disease is associated with:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Protein malnutrition
• Coronary artery disease
• Corticosteroid medications

Autoimmune Hepatitis

This form of hepatitis is caused by the body's immune system attacking liver cells and causing inflammation, damage, and eventually cirrhosis. Researchers believe genetic factors may make some people more prone to autoimmune diseases. About 70 percent of those with autoimmune hepatitis are female. More about Autoimmune Hepatitis.

Diseases That Damage or Destroy Bile Ducts

Several different diseases can damage or destroy the ducts that carry bile from the liver, causing bile to back up in the liver and leading to cirrhosis. In adults, the most common condition in this category is primary biliary cirrhosis, a disease in which the bile ducts become inflamed and damaged and, ultimately, disappear. Secondary biliary cirrhosis can happen if the ducts are mistakenly tied off or injured during gallbladder surgery. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is another condition that causes damage and scarring of bile ducts. In infants, damaged bile ducts are commonly caused by Alagille syndrome or biliary atresia, conditions in which the ducts are absent or injured.

Inherited Diseases

Cystic fibrosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, hemochromatosis, Wilson disease, galactosemia, and glycogen storage diseases are inherited diseases that interfere with how the liver produces, processes, and stores enzymes, proteins, metals, and other substances the body needs to function properly. Cirrhosis can result from these conditions.

Drugs, Toxins, and Infections

Other causes of cirrhosis include:

• Drug reactions
• Prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals
• Parasitic infections
• Repeated bouts of heart failure with liver congestion

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References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
December 2008
digestive.niddk.nih.gov

The information discussed above is a general overview and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.