Treatment for hepatitis-related cirrhosis involves medications used to treat the different types of hepatitis, such as interferon for viral hepatitis and corticosteroids for autoimmune hepatitis.Cirrhosis caused by Wilsons disease is treated by removing the copper which builds up in organs. This is carried out using chelation therapy such as penicillamine. When the cause is an iron overload, iron is removed using a chelation agent such as deferoxamine or by bloodletting.As of 2021, there are recent studies studying drugs to prevent cirrhosis caused by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD or NASH). A drug called semaglutide was shown to provide greater NASH resolution versus placebo. No improvement in fibrosis was observed. A combination of cilofexor/firsocostat was studied in patients with bridging fibrosis and cirrhosis. It was observed to have led to improvements in NASH activity with a potential antifibrotic effect. Lanifibranor is also shown to prevent worsening fibrosis. Preventing further liver damage
Regardless of the underlying cause of cirrhosis, consumption of alcohol and other potentially damaging substances are discouraged. There is no evidence that supports the avoidance or dose reduction of paracetamol in people with compensated cirrhosis; it is thus considered a safe analgesic for said individuals.Vaccination of susceptible patients should be considered for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Treating the cause of cirrhosis prevents further damage; for example, giving oral antivirals such as entecavir and tenofovir where cirrhosis is due to hepatitis B prevents progression of cirrhosis.
Causes
The cause of Plummer–Vinson syndrome is unknown; however, genetic factors and nutritional deficiencies may play a role. It is more common in women, particularly in middle age, with a peak age over 50 years. Diagnosis
The following clinical presentations may be used in the diagnosis of this condition. Dizziness
Pallor of the conjunctiva and face
Erythematous oral mucosa with burning sensation
Breathlessness
Atrophic and smooth tongue
Peripheral rhagades around the oral cavityThe following tests are helpful in the diagnosis of Plummer–Vinson syndrome. Lab tests
Complete blood cell counts, peripheral blood smears, and iron studies (e.g., serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin, and saturation percentage) to confirm iron deficiency, either with or without hypochromic microcytic anemia. Imaging
Barium esophagography and videofluoroscopy will help to detect esophageal webs. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy will enable visual confirmation of esophageal webs. The webs occur due to sub-epithelial fibrosis. |

Prevention
Good nutrition with adequate intake of iron may prevent this disorder. Good nutrition should also include balanced diet and exercise. Treatment
Treatment is primarily aimed at correcting the iron-deficiency anemia. Patients with Plummer–Vinson syndrome should receive iron supplementation in their diet. This may improve dysphagia and pain. If not, the web can be dilated with esophageal bougies during upper endoscopy to allow normal swallowing and passage of food. There is risk of perforation of the esophagus with the use of dilators for treatment. Prognosis
Patients generally respond well to treatment. Iron supplementation usually resolves the anemia, and corrects the glossodynia (tongue pain). Plummer-Vinson syndrome is one of the risk factors for developing squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, esophagus, and hypopharynx.