Although most often associated with alcohol abuse, cirrhosis of the liver can result from many causes. Almost any chronic liver disease can lead to cirrhosis. Drug hepatitis Toxins Cirrhosis of the liver is irreversible at present. Some very promising work has been seen in Japan using rats and human gene therapy. Other animal studies seem to indicate induced hypothyroidism may be beneficial in slowing the progress of disease.
Treatment depends upon the underlying etiology.
Termination of alcohol intake will stop the progression in alcoholic cirrhosis and for this reason, it is important to make the diagnosis early in a chronic alcohol abuser. Similarly, discontinuation of a hepatotoxic drug or removal of an environmental toxin will stop progression. Treatment of metabolic diseases, such as treatment of iron overload in hemochromatosis or copper overload in Wilson disease, are also effective therapies. In patients with cirrhosis of the liver, treatment must also be directed at the complications. Bleeding esophageal varices can be treated with endoscopic sclerotherapy or rubber band ligation.