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Stanford Health Care

Chronic Liver Disease

What Is Chronic Liver Disease?

Chronic liver disease is marked by the gradual destruction of liver tissue over time. Liver diseases in this category include:

  • Cirrhosis
  • Fibrosis of the liver

Cirrhosis of the Liver

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), cirrhosis is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States.

Because of chronic damage to the liver:

  1. Scar tissue slowly replaces normal functioning liver tissue.
  2. The scar tissue progressively diminishes the blood flow through the liver.
  3. As the normal liver tissue is lost, the liver can no longer effectively process nutrients, hormones, drugs and poisons.
  4. In addition, the liver cannot effectively produce proteins and other substances.

Fibrosis of the Liver

Fibrosis is the growth of scar tissue due to infection, inflammation, injury or even healing. The overgrowth of scar tissue can occur in almost any organ. Fibrosis in the liver can prevent the organ from properly functioning. Liver fibrosis is usually the result of cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis Symptoms

Symptoms of cirrhosis include coughing up blood, hair loss and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes). Learn more about cirrhosis symptoms.

Causes of Cirrhosis

The most common cause of cirrhosis is alcohol abuse. Other causes include hepatitis and using certain drugs. Learn more about causes of cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis Diagnosis

Diagnosing cirrhosis includes a physical examination as well as other, specialized test such as liver function tests and a liver biopsy. Learn more about cirrhosis diagnosis.

Cirrhosis Treatments

Liver damage is irreversible. Treatments focus on preventing further damage. Learn more about cirrhosis treatments, including liver transplant. 

Condition Spotlight

Eating Healthy with Liver Disease Watch Video

Clinical Trials for Chronic Liver Disease

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.

Open Trials Closed Trials