Chronic Liver Disease

 

Chronic Liver Disease

                                       Chronic Liver Disease is a disease characterized by a gradual, progressive, irreversible deterioration of liver functioning which lasts for about more than 6 months.

Functions of the liver are largely affected in Chronic Liver Disease Functions. The liver performs very important functions of our body in maintaining our body's homeostatic balance.

Stages of Chronic Liver Disease

Stage 1:  Inflammation

Stage 2:  Fibrosis

Stage 3:  Cirrhosis

Stage 4:  Liver Failure

Causes of Chronic Liver Disease

• Chronic Hepatitis B and C Infection
• Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
• Cholangitis
• Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
• Hereditary Haemochromatosis

Symptoms Of Chronic Liver Disease

• Feeling Tired
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Jaundice
• Breast Development in Men
• Darkening Of Urine
• Ascites ( not in all cases)

Diagnosis

1. Liver Blood Test (Proteins and Enzymes in Blood indicate Liver Functions)
2. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
3. Ultrasound, CT-Scan, and MRI
4. Biopsy

Dietary Deficiency During CLD

                                                      A lot of nutrients are deficient in Chronic Liver Disease patients. The nutrients are;

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
• Vitamin B9 (Folate)
• Vitamin B12
• Protein 
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Magnesium

Dietary Management of CLD

• Protein (1.2-1.5 g/kg of body weight)____ (Valine, Leucine&Isoleucine should be Recommended)
• Energy (30-40 Kcal/kg of Ideal Body Weight)
• Sodium (Salt is restricted to 2 g/day)
• Zinc ( 2 doses of 5 mg/day)
• Fats (20- 30%)
• Thiamine (250 mg/day)
• Glucose Infusion (2-3 g/kg of Body Weight/day)

Chronic Liver Disease should be managed by taking care of one's diet and one should have regular check their liver functions.