Initial and advanced symptoms of liver cirrhosis, causes and diagnostic methods
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29076/issn.2602-8360vol10iss18.2026pp78-88pKeywords:
degeneration, decompensation, fibrosis, hepatocytes, metabolismAbstract
Liver cirrhosis is one of the main chronic liver diseases, characterized by high mortality and late diagnosis, which severely affects quality of life and generates a significant health and social impact. The aim of this study was to analyze the initial and advanced symptoms of liver cirrhosis, its causes, and diagnostic methods. A documentary literature review was conducted using a systematic descriptive design, considering studies published between 2021 and 2025, written in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The results show that the initial symptoms of the disease are nonspecific, while advanced symptoms include ascites, encephalopathy, and bleeding. Furthermore, the main etiological causes include viral hepatitis, alcoholism, and steatohepatitis, along with autoimmune and genetic factors. Finally, the diagnosis of this pathology integrates noninvasive and advanced methods, such as elastography, radiological imaging tests, serum biomarkers, and biopsy. It is concluded that early detection and access to modern diagnostic methods are essential to reducing complications and mortality from liver cirrhosis.
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