Cirrhosis is a condition that causes liver damage and eventually failure. Tough scar tissue with nodules replaces once healthy liver tissue affecting function. Common causes of cirrhosis include chronic alcoholism, biliary obstruction, chronic hepatitis, and hemochromatosis. Compensated cirrhosis of the liver refers to early liver damage in which the body functions well despite the damaged liver tissue. Often times, patients with compensated cirrhosis show no symptoms of disease.
Anorexia and Weight Loss
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that loss of appetite and weight loss commonly occur with compensated cirrhosis of the liver. The liver is responsible for the metabolizing of many nutrients and vitamins. With a damaged liver, malnutrition often occurs even when loss of appetite does not occur. Weight loss often continues or worsens as the disease progresses.
Fatigue and Weakness
The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that fatigue and weakness accompany compensated cirrhosis. Fatigue and weakness occur due to the malnourishment from loss of appetite and altered metabolism. Anemia caused by cirrhosis also increases fatigue. Liver damage sometimes causes a back up of blood into the spleen. The spleen removes too many red blood cells as a result of the prolonged time the blood remains there, causing anemia.
Bone Loss
Due to compensated liver cirrhosis, vitamin D fails to be absorbed into the body. As a result, bones begin to weaken and, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, osteoporosis occurs. Patients with early stages of cirrhosis carry a greater risk of developing arthritis and bone fracture from osteoporosis due to the malabsorption of vitamin D.
Spider Angiomas
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that spider angiomas may develop on the skin. These are pinhead-sized red spots from which tiny blood vessels radiate. Spider angiomas typically occur in the upper part of the body including the face, arms or abdomen.
