LIVER CIRRHOSIS AND ITS PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Аннотация

This article discusses the essence and causes of liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis is a severe chronic disease characterized by the destruction of liver cells and their replacement with fibrous (scar) tissue. Cirrhosis leads to liver dysfunction and can result in life-threatening complications. Particular attention in the paper is given to the main causes of the disease, including viral hepatitis (especially hepatitis B and C), prolonged alcohol consumption, fatty liver disease, autoimmune processes, genetic factors, as well as the effects of toxic substances and certain medications. The annotation provides a brief analysis of the progressive nature of cirrhosis, the gradual replacement of liver tissue with connective tissue, liver failure, and other serious consequences. Keywords:hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcohol, ascites, liver, bilirubin, ultrasonography, encephalopathy, biopsy, NAFLD, curcumin. Relevance of the Topic:Liver cirrhosis (cirrhosis hepatis) is a progressive condition in which healthy liver tissue is gradually destroyed and replaced by fibrous connective tissue, leading to the disruption of normal liver function.This condition prevents the liver from performing its essential functions, such as metabolism, detoxification, blood clotting, and more. The disease progresses slowly and may eventually result in liver failure or liver cancer.Global Significance:Liver cirrhosis is a serious global health issue. It is responsible for the deaths of nearly 1 million people worldwide each year. It ranks among the leading causes of death after cardiovascular diseases and cancer.Increasing prevalence among younger populations: While liver cirrhosis used to be more common in older adults, its growing incidence among individuals aged 30–40 has further increased the relevance of this issue.Burden on the healthcare system:Hospitalizations due to liver cirrhosis, the need for long-term treatment, and liver transplantation place a significant financial and resource burden on healthcare systems.Risk variability and influencing factors:The likelihood of developing liver cirrhosis depends on multiple factors, and the prevalence of the disease varies across regions. The main risk factors that increase the probability of cirrhosis include:Age and sex: Liver cirrhosis is most frequently diagnosed in middle-aged and older adults, often between the ages of 40 and 60. The risk increases with age.Gender differences: Cirrhosis is more common in men, largely due to higher rates of alcohol consumption, which significantly contributes to disease progression. However, https://ijmri.de/index.php/jmsi volume 4,issue4,2025 504 women are more likely to develop cirrhosis related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatitis C. Main Diseases and Risk Factors:Viral Hepatitis: Hepatitis B and C are major causes of liver cirrhosis. In regions where these viral infections are prevalent, the likelihood of developing cirrhosis is also higher. For instance, hepatitis C accounts for 30-40% of cirrhosis cases.Alcohol and Obesity: Alcohol-related cirrhosis, as well as cirrhosis associated with obesity and diabetes, are common. The risk of cirrhosis is significantly higher in individuals who consume alcohol excessively. Additionally, obesity and diabetes can lead to fatty liver disease and liver cirrhosis.Importance of Early Detection and PreventionThe Need for Screening Programs:It iscrucial toconduct mass screening programs todetect hepatitis C andB early in the population. This can help prevent the development of liver cirrhosis.Increasing Public Awareness:Strengthening public awareness campaigns regarding proper nutrition, abstaining from alcohol, and vaccinating against hepatitis is vital.Liver Transplantation Development:In the advanced stages, liver transplantation remains the only option for saving a patient’s life. This remains a critical issue in regions where the field is underdeveloped. During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with chronic liver diseases were more susceptible to the virus and experienced severe complications. This has once again emphasized the importance of managing chronicdiseases and providing timely treatment.[1] Causes of Liver Cirrhosis: The main factors that lead to liver cirrhosis are as follows:Viral Hepatitis: Particularly hepatitis B and C viruses can damage liver cells over a long period, leading to cirrhosis.Alcohol: Chronic alcohol consumption poisons liver cells and gradually destroys them.Fatty Liver (Steatosis) and Poor Nutrition: Excessive fat accumulation, especially when combined with diabetes and obesity, leads to cirrhosis.Autoimmune Hepatitis: In this case, the body’s immune system attacks the liver and destroys its cells.Genetic (Hereditary) Diseases: For example, Wilson’s disease (copper accumulation in the liver) or hemochromatosis (excess iron accumulation) can cause cirrhosis.Some Medications and Toxins: Prolonged use of certain medications or chemicals damages the liver.Gastrointest