Frequently asked questions about liver cirrhosis

The main causes include chronic hepatitis B or C, long-term heavy alcohol use, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, now also called MASLD) and autoimmune conditions. Less common triggers are genetic disorders such as hemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease. Early intervention on these factors can slow progression.

Early cirrhosis often has no symptoms, earning it the “silent” label, but subtle signs include fatigue, mild appetite loss and weight changes. As it advances, symptoms like jaundice, swelling in the legs or abdomen and easy bruising appear. Regular check-ups can catch it early through blood tests.

Doctors start with a physical exam, medical history and blood tests for liver function. Imaging such as ultrasound or FibroScan follows, with a biopsy confirming scarring in unclear cases. Useful questions to ask include: “What’s causing my cirrhosis?” and “Can it be slowed?”

Early-stage (compensated) cirrhosis can improve or stabilise by treating the cause, such as antivirals for hepatitis C or stopping alcohol. Advanced scarring is irreversible, but managing complications extends life. Liver transplant is an option for end-stage cases.

Stop alcohol completely, follow a low-sodium diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins (generally under 2 g of sodium per day, as advised by your care team), and maintain a healthy weight. Vaccines for hepatitis A/B, flu and pneumonia are important because of infection risk. Avoid liver-toxic medicines such as certain painkillers unless your doctor approves them.

Key complications include fluid build-up (ascites), variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy (confusion), kidney problems and an increased risk of liver cancer. Treatments such as diuretics, banding or lactulose manage these; seek immediate care for vomiting blood or severe confusion.

Transplant is considered for decompensated cirrhosis with life-threatening complications or liver failure. Survival rates are high (85–90% at one year), but eligibility requires sobriety and no active cancer. Screening involves a full health evaluation.

Yes. Research shows that if the primary cause (such as obesity or alcohol) is removed, the liver can break down scar tissue and return to a healthier state.

No. With early diagnosis, many people live for decades with cirrhosis. It requires strict medical adherence and lifestyle changes.

A technology called FibroScan (transient elastography) works like an ultrasound to measure the stiffness of the liver — the stiffer the liver, the more scarring is present.

There is no single “good” score. Lower scores generally mean lower short-term mortality risk, but the score ranks candidates relative to each other rather than acting as a pass/fail threshold.

The maximum under current OPTN policy is 40.

No. Paediatric candidates use PELD or PELD-Cr instead.

It adds serum albumin and sex, lowers the creatinine ceiling from 4.0 to 3.0 mg/dL, updates the statistical coefficients and adds interaction terms between variables.

Validated calculators exist, but scores should be interpreted by your transplant team, since exception points and other conditions materially affect real-world prioritisation.

Liverlytics uses local-first tracking: your data stays on your device unless you choose to share it.

No. The MELD 3.0 calculator on this website runs entirely in your browser; the values you enter are not sent to our servers.

You can save MELD-Na and MELD 3.0 results and view trends, count daily sodium (mg) and fluids (mL), keep a medication checklist with an adherence rate, review AI-based insight cards and export a clinician visit summary as a PDF.

No. Liverlytics provides educational information and health-tracking tools. Insights are informational only and not a diagnosis — always consult a qualified healthcare provider.