stages of liver scirosis

1. what are the stages of liver scirosis? 2. how fast can you get liver trasplant?

[HectorSF]

Cirrhosis is Stage 4 of Liver Disease.

Hepatitis C Support Project -

Cirrhosis is divided into two categories – compensated and decompensated.

"Compensated Cirrhosis"
Compensated cirrhosis means that the liver is heavily scarred but can still perform many important bodily functions. Many people with compensated cirrhosis experience few or no symptoms and can live for many years without serious complications. But it is important
to remember that HCV disease progression is not linear; that is, the process speeds up so it is critical for people to take the necessary steps to make sure that they are receiving the appropriate medical care, which may include HCV therapy to help slow down or stop the disease progression process.

"Decompensated Cirrhosis"
Decompensated cirrhosis means that the liver is extensively scarred and unable to function properly. People with decompensated cirrhosis eventually develop many symptoms and complications that can be life threatening.

Symptoms and Complications of Decompensated Cirrhosis
Patients with decompensated cirrhosis develop a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, exhaustion, loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice, weight loss, stomach pain, impotence,
bruising and bleeding, and other potentially life threatening symptoms.
Complications will also develop because the liver is unable to perform many functions.

When a person's liver becomes decompensated the only treatment option is a liver transplant. To be eligible to receive a transplant the person must be be very ill in order to be at the top of the list where many others are waiting, but not too ill so they won't survive a transplant operation. Where a person is on the list is determined by something called The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease  MELD score. It ranges from 6-40. 40 being close to death. The MELD score is is a prediction of how long the patient has to live without a new liver. It is based on 3 blood values (bilirubin, creatinine, and INR) and whether you have HCC liver cancer or not.

How fast you can get a transplant depends on your MELD score. Each person is different. Many people are listed for a number years before becoming ill enough to qualify for a transplant. A liver transplant is a life changing event and costs in the hundreds of thousand dollars and is something you must care for every day of your life after the transplant.

There is also the option of a "Living Donor Transplant". This is when someone living is willing to donate a piece of their liver to the recipient. They must have have the same blood type and the two liver connections and sizes must be compatible. This is the only way to avoid the years of waiting for a deceased liver donor and depending on the MELD score.

There is a very serious shortage of donor organs in the US. On average 20 people a day die waiting for an organ. Availability depends on which transplant center you are listed at. Some have less people with lower MELD scores then other areas. Northern California, New York City and LA have the longest wait times.

Hope this helps.
Hector