Contents
Medical treatments for cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is an irreversible disease, against which there is no really effective treatment (except liver transplant).
The cause of the cirrhosis must first be treated and the aggravating factors limited:
In the event of so-called cirrhosis alcoholic, weaning is essential.
In case of cirrhosis associated with metabolic syndrome, it is necessary to lose weight, to control diabetes with well-followed treatment and to lower the level of lipids in the blood.
In the case of a viral hepatitis, antiviral treatments should be given.
More generally, the Haute Autorité de Santé emphasizes the importance of:
Prevent and treat the complications of cirrhosis (digestive hemorrhage, bacterial infections, hepatocellular carcinoma, etc.)
Update your vaccinations (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, flu, pneumococcus)
Adopt hygienic and dietary measures (in particular oral care)
Benefit from comprehensive support
Lifestyle changes
In the event of cirrhosis, it is urgent to stop the addictive behaviors involved or associated with the disease7. In particular, it is important to:
Stop drinking alcohol, regardless of the cause of the cirrhosis. In people suffering from alcohol dependence, several support measures exist and must be put in place (support groups, detoxification clinic, pharmacological treatments, etc.).
Stop smoking because it worsens the disease. Nicotine substitutes can be used, as well as drug withdrawal aid.
Stop taking medications and drugs that can have a toxic effect on the liver. In particular, you should avoid taking drugs that are metabolized by the liver (the doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you).
In case of ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen), the doctor may advise taking diuretic drugs to eliminate water and a diet low in salt. Punctures are sometimes necessary to evacuate the liquid.
Management of the hepatitis involved
If cirrhosis is associated with chronic hepatitis, it is necessary to treat hepatitis:
by antiviral treatment with interferon α and / or lamivudine in the event of post-hepatitis B cirrhosis
by interferon α in the event of post-hepatitis C cirrhosis (possibly combined with ribavirin). New, more effective hepatitis C treatments (current drugs only cure 50% of those affected) are in development8.
In the event of an underlying active autoimmune disease, treatment with corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs (azathioprine) should be started promptly.
Liver transplant
If the cirrhosis is advanced and threatens the life of the affected person, the only possible treatment is a liver transplant (or liver transplant).
However, this operation is risky and organ waiting times are long, at least 1 to 2 years in France and North America.
Psychological care
Cirrhosis is a serious and progressive disease, and its diagnosis inevitably has psychological repercussions. If they deem it necessary, the person with cirrhosis should therefore be able to benefit from psychological support.