Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver slowly deteriorates
and malfunctions due to chronic injury. Scar tissue replaces
healthy liver tissue, partially blocking the flow of blood
through the liver. Scarring also impairs the liver's ability to
- control infections - remove bacteria and toxins from the blood
- process nutrients, hormones, and drugs - make proteins that
regulate blood clotting - produce bile to help absorb
fats—including cholesterol—and fat-soluble A healthy liver is
able to regenerate most of its own cells when they become
damaged. With end-stage cirrhosis, the liver can no longer
effectively replace damaged cells. A healthy liver is necessary
for survival. Cirrhosis is the twelfth leading cause of death by
disease, accounting for 27,000 deaths each year.1 The condition
affects men slightly more often than women. 1 Miniño AM, Heron
MP, Murphy SL, Kochanek KD. Deaths: Final data for 2004. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. (PDF, 3450 KB).
Updated October 10, 2007. Accessed