Liver Function, Cirrhosis, & Low Blood Sugar (OT)

[Guest guest]

,

I am sorry to hear that you have been in the hospital again. It must be

difficult to have the word 'cirrhosis' on your chart, since that is so

misunderstood. Like pancreatitis, the majority of persons, including

physicians,

associate cirrhosis with advanced alcoholism. The truth of the matter is that

the

word cirrhosis refers to the presence of scar tissue in the liver. I reviewed

my information regarding the liver, its functions, etc., and thought I would

share some of it. I think it helps us know more of what you are going

through, when we have a better understanding of the disease.

Unfortunately, though, this cirrhosis (scar tissue) is irreversible. When

cirrhotic tissue (scar tissue) replaces normal, healthy tissue, it blocks the

flow of blood through the organ and prevents it from working, as it should.

There are numerous things that can result in cirrhosis, such as autoimmune

hepatitis. This is caused by the immune system attacking the liver and causing

inflammation, damage, and eventually cirrhosis (scarring)

The liver is essential in keeping the body functioning properly. Although

there is overlap, these functions can be divided into three basic categories:

1. Production and regulation of many substances important in

maintaining the body's normal state

A. Produces bile which functions

i. to aid in digestion by breaking down fat molecules

ii. serves as a waste disposal system for toxins removed from the

blood,

B. Produces vitamin D, necessary for nervous system function, heart

muscle contraction, increased absorption of dietary calcium from the gut, and

reabsorption of Ca from the kidneys, regulation of the immune system,

hardening of the bones,

C. Produces clotting factors & other proteins to control bleeding when

you cut yourself

D. Produces ‘good’ cholesterol, a type of lipid, that helps maintain

the physical integrity of cells

E. Produces essential immune system factors to control infection

F. Produces most of the blood proteins, i.e.; albumin to maintain

fluid balance and prevent edema

G. Produces several (non-reproductive) hormones

H. Produces fetal blood (the blood that got your system going even

before you were born)

2. Storage of important nutrients

A. Stores and releases glycogen (glucose), which is produced by the

pancreas

B. Stores and releases lipids (fats)

C. Stores fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K), folate,

vitamin B 12, and minerals, such as copper and iron

D. Stores about 13 percent of the body's blood supply at any given

moment

3. Purification, transformation, and clearance of waste products,

drugs, and toxins

A. Filters blood to eliminate bacteria & germs that are continuously

present in the blood

B. Filters blood to detoxify poisons that are consumed / inhaled

C. Filters blood to convert ammonia, a result of muscle metabolism of

amino acids, to urea, which is excreted into the urine by the kidneys.

D. Filters blood to convert unconjugated bilirubin, a byproduct of red

blood cell hemoglobin secreted by the spleen, to conjugated (water soluble)

bilirubin so that it can be excreted into bile, preventing jaundice

E. Filters blood to breakdown most medications.

The liver is the most resilient of all of the body's organs. With all of its

complex functions, the liver is capable of regenerating itself. When part of

the liver is removed, a healthy organ will often grow back to its original

size.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

Indianapolis, Indiana