Chronic right sided congestive heart failure causing prolonged elevation of venous pressure and liver congestion. E. Meds are used to regulate protein metabolism. Diagnosis of cirrhosis. A. Laboratory 1. Decreased sodium due to overload of body water and hemodilution.
Albumin is decreased.
Ammonia levels are increased - liver can't metabolize. Bleeding time increased. Liver enzymes elevated. B. Ultrasound of liver, liver biopsy, EGD, UGI, may evaluate the extent of liver damage. C. Liver Biopsy.