The liver is the largest organ in the body and performs more than 400 functions. There are many human liver diseases; some conditions arise directly in the liver tissue itself while others result from metabolic disorders or other diseased organs which indirectly damage the liver. Although the liver is capable of repairing itself to some degree, damage to the liver leads to inflammation which forms scarring, called cirrhosis, and liver failure.
Infections
The authors of "Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care," explain how viral infections can directly attack the liver causing inflammation of liver cells. Viral hepatitis is a worldwide health problem. There are several types of viral hepatitis that are named very simply as hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Some of these viruses are self-limiting such as Hepatitis A, while others cause chronic liver disease. The effect on the liver is generally the same for each of these viruses: inflammation, cirrhosis and organ failure.
Other infections such as Epstein Barr, toxoplasmosis (protozoa infection), and the parasitic disease schistosomiasis affect the liver. Inflammation, tissue damage and liver enlargement result secondary to these diseases. If not corrected quickly, permanent liver damage can occur.
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which the body cannot recognize its own cells and begins to launch an attack against its own cells, tissues and organs. Autoimmune hepatitis is an inherited disease that can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is another autoimmune disorder that affects biliary ducts.
Bile Duct Disease
Bile duct disease can occur from hepatic fibrosis which is abnormal liver tissue growth, or from obstruction of biliary ducts in the liver. There are two main types of biliary disease; primary biliary cirrhosis which causes a slow progressive destruction of bile ducts in the liver, and primary sclerosing cholangitis which affects the entire biliary system. Both of these conditions lead to inflammation of the liver and formation of cirrhosis.
Metabolic Disorders
The American Liver Foundation explains how metabolic disorders such as Hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease affect the liver. Hemochromatosis is a condition that causes an excessive amount of iron storage in the liver. Wilson's disease causes a toxic accumulation of copper in the liver. Another metabolic disorder is Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency which is needed to regulate a specific enzyme needed for protein synthesis. Each of these deficiencies interrupts normal liver processes and lead to inflammation of the liver.
Steatohepatitis
This human liver disease is a condition where excess fat and cholesterol are deposited in the liver. It is commonly referred to as fatty liver disease. Steatohepatitis is a complication of other health problems such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, obesity and alcoholism. The result of this condition on the liver is inflammation and cirrhosis.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care"; Donna D. Ignatavicius MS RN, & M. Linda Workman Ph.D; 2006
- American Liver Foundation: Cirrhosis
