Can cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B virus be cured?

Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Hepatitis B virus-induced cirrhosis was previously considered incurable, though its progression could be slowed. However, recent observations and studies have shown that a small fraction of patients with early-stage hepatitis B virus-induced cirrhosis can be cured. However, the proportion of these patients is extremely low. To draw an analogy, cirrhosis is like our houses. If the cement, steel bars, and brick structure are damaged, then the house is difficult to repair. Cirrhosis is akin to the structural damage of the house, making it hard to recover.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Can second stage cirrhosis be cured?

No form of cirrhosis can be cured, but it is possible to alleviate the condition, control it, and slow its progression through medication. Therefore, once diagnosed with cirrhosis, it is essential to understand the type of cirrhosis, which means making an accurate diagnosis. If it is hepatitis B or C related cirrhosis, active antiviral medication should be taken orally to quickly control and slow the progression of the disease; for alcoholic liver, it is advised to abstain from alcohol strictly; if the condition is severe and irreversible, liver transplant surgery could be considered.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is the pain obvious in the early stages of cirrhosis?

In the early stages of cirrhosis, the pain is not very obvious. Patients in the early stages of cirrhosis may experience vague discomfort in the upper right abdomen, while others may never experience pain at all. Those in the early stages may also have symptoms such as belching, fatigue, acid reflux, jaundice, and dark urine. Further comprehensive auxiliary examinations are needed, such as liver function tests and abdominal imaging studies. At the same time, it is important to identify the cause of early-stage cirrhosis in patients as soon as possible and adopt appropriate treatment measures based on different causes. For instance, if it is caused by alcohol, then treatment should involve abstaining from alcohol.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Do I need to take liver-protective medicine in the early stages of cirrhosis?

As for whether it is still necessary to take liver-protective medication in the early stages of cirrhosis, it depends on whether there is liver function impairment in patients with early-stage cirrhosis. If there is liver function impairment, such as elevated transaminases and bilirubin, then it is necessary to take some liver-protective medications. If liver function is normal, then it is sufficient to treat only the cause of the disease. For example, if cirrhosis is caused by chronic hepatitis B virus infection, but the patient's liver function is normal, then antiviral treatment alone is sufficient. If the cirrhosis is due to alcohol abuse, then strict abstinence from alcohol is required, and the condition can generally be stabilized.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Why does cirrhosis cause increasing weight loss and what can be done about it?

The reason why patients with cirrhosis are becoming thinner might be due to the decreased protein synthesis function of the liver after cirrhosis, leading to progressively lesser protein in the body, which results in the patient becoming thinner. It could also be because cirrhosis leads to poor digestion and absorption in patients, thereby reducing their absorption capacity and causing them to lose weight. Under these circumstances, some medications can be used for treatment, such as the infusion of albumin to supplement plasma proteins in the body. It is also important to actively treat the underlying cause of cirrhosis. For example, in the case of alcoholic cirrhosis, active efforts to abstain from alcohol and rehabilitative treatment are necessary. If the cirrhosis is caused by chronic hepatitis B virus infection, antiviral treatment should be administered.

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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How to treat splenomegaly and liver cirrhosis?

Once liver cirrhosis is detected, accompanied by an enlarged spleen and hyperactive spleen function, this condition can be addressed through interventional methods to resolve issues of spleen enlargement and hyperfunction. This reduces the destruction of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The interventional approach primarily involves sterile necrosis and absorption of the spleen, thus resolving spleen issues. As for treating liver cirrhosis, it is primarily important to understand the causes of the cirrhosis. If the cirrhosis is caused by a virus, antiviral treatment is needed. There are corresponding antiviral medications for cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C. If the cirrhosis is caused by alcohol, it is essential to abstain from alcohol as part of the treatment. In addition, medications that combat liver cirrhosis should be used.