[Clinical aspects, prognosis and therapy of liver cirrhosis]

Hepatic cirrhosis is regarded as the terminal stage of the most diverse chronic liver diseases. It is characterized by nodular restructuring of the hepatic parenchyma which is accompanied by scar formation and transformation of the vascular system. The originally diseased liver becomes increasingly less prominent in pathophysiological terms, whereas the consecutive portocaval collateral circulation becomes increasingly effective. This leads to the serious complications of cirrhosis and finally also to death. The diverse influences of the disturbed individual functions of the liver on the body characterize the clinical picture with its multifarious symptoms and great variations in the alterations of clinical test values. An exact diagnosis (in the form of an early diagnosis) and clarification of the respective etiopathogenesis are of crucial significance for prognosis and therapy. Meticulous instruction and monitoring of the cirrhosis patient is absolutely necessary in practice. In this way, and also by means of a program of prophylactic measures, complications can be largely avoided. Today, treatment of the liver cirrhosis constitutes specific polypragmasy. However, it has produced an appreciable improvement in the quality of life and the life expectancy.