Home » Health » End stage of liver cirrhosis: the course of death is not always the same

End stage of liver cirrhosis: the course of death is not always the same

End-stage liver cirrhosis kills most people within a few months. The course of death is not the same for everyone because cirrhosis can have various fatal outcomes.

When a liver cirrhosis only recognized in the final stages, the last life-saving measure is one Transplantation. However, not all patients get this chance. About 65 out of 100 people diagnosed with end-stage cirrhosis die within the following year. Not because of the cirrhosis itself, but because of its consequences – doctors speak of complications.

The most common causes of death include:

  • bleeding out of varicose veins the esophagus (esophageal variceal bleeding) or the stomach
  • Peritonitis, which can develop as a result of “belly fluid” (ascites), which is a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity
  • a dysfunction of the brain that can lead to a hepatic coma

With which Pains and other burdens a sick person has to face until the end of their life depends on which complications they develop. Many of those affected die from a combination of several secondary diseases.

Death from variceal bleeding

Die Leber is an important station in the bloodstream. If it’s badly damaged, it builds up blood in front of her, causing the blood pressure in the They come of the abdomen increases. The blood then seeks other routes, for example through the veins of the stomach and esophagus. This is how so-called varicose veins (varicose veins) develop. If their walls tear, blood leaks out, causing so-called variceal bleeding.

These can manifest themselves in severe complaints. In the case of heavy bleeding, the patient vomits blood in gushing fashion. Also, the blood over the colon in the chair reach and color it black, which is referred to as tarry stool.

If the bleeding is not stopped in time, shock can occur: the blood circulation collapses and the organs are no longer adequately supplied with oxygen. The organ failure attracts numerous complaints such as impaired consciousness, tachycardia and Sweat after themselves and finally – often within a few hours – the Tod.

Death from peritonitis

In end-stage liver cirrhosis, the pressure between the blood vessels and the tissues becomes imbalanced. As a result, fluid leaks from the vessels into the abdominal cavity and collects there. Specialists then speak of ascites. The patients do not notice anything at first.

Later it swells belly and the liquid presses on the internal organs. On the one hand, this causes unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. On the other hand, intestinal bacteria can penetrate through the intestinal wall into the abdomen and then into the peritoneum and there inflammation cause. The peritoneum is the tissue that lines the abdomen.

The insidious thing about such a bacterial peritonitis is that it often does not make itself felt through symptoms and is therefore recognized and treated too late.

Then, under certain circumstances, devastating consequences such as a Sepsis (blood poisoning), which can trigger a variety of symptoms: Those affected suffer from Fever and disturbances in consciousness such as confusion and drowsiness. Her breathing and heartbeat also accelerate. Some are also developing chills.

If the sepsis cannot be controlled in time, the sufferers die within a few hours.

End-stage liver cirrhosis can result in hepatic coma

An important task of the liver is detoxification: it breaks down toxic waste products from the metabolism and disposes of them. In end-stage liver cirrhosis, the liver is no longer able to do this.

Then accumulate more toxins in the blood and enter the Brainwhere they damage brain cells and thus impair brain function.

The risk is particularly high in those who are already suffering from cirrhosis of the liver liver cancer has developed. Liver cells degenerate into tumor cells that can no longer fulfill the detoxification task.

The dysfunction of the brain is initially manifested by various neurological symptoms such as concentration problems, mood swings, confusion, drowsiness, speech disorders as well as a rough one Tremble in the hands.

Without treatment, brain damage progresses and neurological disorders worsen. In the final stage, those affected lose consciousness and fall into a coma. This is also called hepatic coma or hepatic failure coma.

Support for those affected and their families

Those affected and their relatives do not have to cope with the last few months alone: ​​they are entitled to so-called palliative care offers. These include medical, nursing and psychosocial measures that can alleviate the stressful consequences of the disease. This supply can hospital, Nursing home or hospice take place, but if desired also at the sick person’s home.

Statutory health insurance companies cover the costs of palliative care. They also offer advice on this. On the one hand, the counselors inform patients and their relatives about which palliative support measures are possible and suitable for them. On the other hand, they can also help you with questions that arise in the last phase of life – for example on topics such as living will or power of attorney.

Important NOTE: The information in no way replaces professional advice or treatment by trained and recognized doctors. The content of t-online cannot and must not be used to independently make diagnoses or start treatments.

– –

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.