NURS 3664 Lecture Notes - Lecture 18: Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, Esophageal Varices, Palmar Erythema
Document Summary
Extensive degeneration and destruction of liver cells. Results in replacement of liver tissue by fibrous and regenerative nodules that occur from the liver"s attempt to repair itself. Usually happens after decades of chronic liver disease. Eighth leading cause of death in united states. Twice as common in men as compared to women. Most common causes in united states are chronic hepatitis c and alcohol-induced liver disease. Biliary cirrhosis bile ducts slowly destroyed. Results from long-standing severe right-sided heart failure. Relatively few symptoms in early stage disease. Fatigue and enlarged liver may be early symptoms. Blood tests may be normal- compensated cirrhosis. Result from liver failure and portal hypertension. Skin lesions, hematologic disorders , endocrine disturbances , and peripheral neuropathies. Esophageal / gastric varices (every patient in her care has died so far) Avoid alcohol, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids) Nonselective -blocker decrease high portal pressure - nadolol [corgard] or propranolol [inderal]
