liver

[djbn13]

This may seem like a dumb question but what do people mean by compensated or decompensated liver?  My doc didn't mention this, but then again I'm still in the waiting phase of all this.

[HectorSF]

"Compensated cirrhosis" means that the liver is still able to cope with or compensate for the liver damage and carry out most (sometimes all) of its functions.

"Decompensated cirrhosis" means the liver is unable to compensate for the damage that has been done to it and so can not perform some or many of the functions the liver performs in the body.

When this happens, some or all symptoms of decompensated cirrhosis appear.

   * Portal hypertension
   * Varices
    * Ascites    
    * A build-up of fluid in the feet and legs
    * Hepatic encephalopathy
    * Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
    * Weight loss
    * The tendency to bruise easily.
    * Jaundice
    * Itchiness
    * Sensitivity to drugs due to reduced ability of the liver to inactivate them
    * Spider nevi. These are small capillaries that are seen on the surface of your skin.

hectorsf

[Bill1954]

Basically, this language distinguishes between a liver that is still fully functional, and one that is beginning to decompensate, or fail. This only applies to someone that is diagnosed with cirrhosis; if you suspect mild scarring (fibrosis), this shouldn’t apply to you.

It’s quite possible to have cirrhosis with a liver that is still fully functional, even though the fundamental architecture may have changed. For more info, Janis and Friends has a section of cirrhosis, and touches on this topic:

http://janis7hepc.com/Cirrhosis.htm

--Bill