Complications of Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis

Case Study 1: Disorders of Hepatobiliary and Exocrine Pancreas Function Robert is a 68-year-old who has dealt with alcoholism for over 30 years. He has cirrhosis and is anemic. His appetite has declined, and he regularly complains of abdominal pain. Recently, while preparing himself a sandwich, he cut his finger deeply with a knife. The wound bled profusely, and he used a kitchen towel to stop the flow. Refusing to go and seek medical assistance, he put ice on his finger and wrapped the towel around it. He sat down in his recliner with his hand over his head and fell asleep. Anemia and clotting disorders are common features of alcoholic liver disease. What are the mechanisms that cause these hematologic disorders? What gastrointestinal bleed is associated with a high mortality rate in those with advanced cirrhosis? What is the pathophysiology of this condition? Acute pancreatitis is sometimes seen in alcoholics, particularly after binge drinking. Why are tachycardia and hypotension indications of this condition? Why are women more predisposed to alcoholic liver disease than men? Disorders of Hepatobiliary and Exocrine Pancreas Function Essay

Complications of Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis

Chronic inflammation of the liver due to long-term alcohol abuse results in alcoholic cirrhosis which is alcoholic liver disease that is advanced (Hammer & McPhee, 2018). In alcoholic liver disease, anemia and coagulation abnormalities are common complications. Because of the abnormalities in coagulation and ease of bleeding, chronic gastrointestinal hemorrhage as a result of the cirrhosis-induced coagulopathy results in iron-deficiency anemia (Gkamprela et al., 2017). Coagulopathy of liver disease on the other hand results from the fact that the liver synthesizes many of the clotting and precoagulant factors. Alcoholic liver disease like cirrhosis therefore reduces the efficacy of production of these (Harrison, 2018). Disorders of Hepatobiliary and Exocrine Pancreas Function Essay