How many stages does compensated liver cirrhosis have?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
Introduction
Compensated cirrhosis is divided into two stages: Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 1 is further subdivided into Stage 1a and Stage 1b. Stage 1a refers to the absence of clinically significant portal hypertension and esophageal/gastric varices, whereas Stage 1b denotes the absence of clinically significant portal hypertension but presence of esophageal/gastric varices. In Stage 2, portal hypertension and gastroesophageal varices are present, but without gastrointestinal bleeding or ascites.
Based on the severity of cirrhosis, it can be classified into compensated cirrhosis and decompensated cirrhosis. Compensated cirrhosis is essentially early-stage cirrhosis; because it occurs in the early phase of the disease, the condition is relatively mild and less challenging to treat, often yielding favorable therapeutic outcomes. So, how many stages does compensated cirrhosis have?
How Many Stages Does Compensated Cirrhosis Have?
Compensated cirrhosis is divided into two stages: Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 1 is further subdivided into Stage 1a and Stage 1b. Stage 1a refers to the absence of significant portal hypertension and esophageal or gastric varices, whereas Stage 1b denotes the absence of significant portal hypertension but presence of gastrointestinal varices. In Stage 2, portal hypertension and gastrointestinal varices are present, yet without gastrointestinal bleeding or ascites. Patients with compensated cirrhosis should receive etiology-directed treatment—for example, lifelong antiviral therapy for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, or direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents for hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication and treatment.
Compensated cirrhosis is also known as early-stage cirrhosis. At this stage, identifying the underlying cause and treating the primary disease is essential. For instance, some cases of compensated cirrhosis result from viral hepatitis, necessitating antiviral therapy. If schistosomiasis is the cause, prompt anti-parasitic treatment should be initiated to improve liver function as soon as possible. In cases attributable to alcoholic or drug-induced liver disease, abstinence from alcohol and discontinuation of the offending medication are imperative.
In daily life, avoid staying up late. Diet should emphasize high-calorie, easily digestible, non-irritating soft foods. We hope this response has been helpful to you.
