Treatment Strategies for End Stage Liver Failure
June 6th, 2008 by SKCagency Health Associate
In most of the cases of end stage liver failures, liver transplant is given some notable significance.
The medical management in such cases is done by specialists. One has to take precautions to avoid the cholestatic diseases associated with such transplants.
In Ascites based end stage diseases, large volume paracentesis is carried out. Some times, peritoneovenous shunts are used in which Denver shunts are used mostly.
Spiranolactone may be used as diuretic and may be used in combination with furosemide. Salt is often avoided in the diet if intake is present.
Drugs that are toxic to liver are to be avoided. Non-absorbable disaccharide called lactulose is used in hepatic encephalopathy.
Zinc may be given to prevent the muscle cramps in end stage liver diseases.
Counseling and palliative care need to be provided to the patient.
To prevent the end stage liver disease, sodium has to be restricted. Avoid drinking of liquor in larger amounts, as a preventive measure.
Good nutrition with enough vitamin C and antioxidants like vitamin E have to be taken regularly in the feed.
Avoid constant intake of medications that are specifically toxic to the liver tissues as a preventive step.
I am in a hospice for end stage liver disease and I do experience muscle cramps, yet I did not know about the zinc. I showed this to my nurse and she is going to speak to my doctor today about it.
Hi Dennis
Please do see the abstract of a scientific paper, where our Health Associate got an info about zinc deficiency in end-stage liver disease-
1.http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=3153770
2.
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/els/00319384/1999/00000066/00000002/art00266;jsessionid=9fhcts47r6pgo.alice?format=print
Please go through these 2 articles for zinc supplementation will maintain the condition. It won’t exactly cure, but it helps.
Warm Rgds
Alvin