Hepatitis C, Cirrhosis Symptoms and Signs, Current Information On Hepatitis C & treatments for the medical professional and patient.

Hepatitis Central

The latest research & treatment news about Hepatitis C infection, diagnosis, symptoms and treatments.

Cirrhosis Symptoms and Signs


With obstruction to bile flow, jaundice, pruritus, and xanthelasma become prominent features. Malnutrition is common secondary to anorexia, fat malabsorption, and fat-soluble vitamin deficiency due to the effects of reduced bile-salt excretion. A more dramatic presentation is massive upper GI bleeding from esophageal varices secondary to portal hypertension. The initial presentation may occasionally be that of hepatocellular failure with ascites or portal-systemic encephalopathy.

A palpable, firm, liver with a blunt edge is typical, but at times the liver is small and difficult to palpate. Cirrhotic nodules are only occasionally palpable. Ascites may be present with portal hypertension and splenomegaly, and a collateral venous circulation is evident. Other clinical signs may suggest chronic liver disease, but none is specific: muscle wasting, palmar erythema, Dupuytren's palmar contractures, vascular vascular spiders (< 10 may be normal), gynecomastia, parotid gland enlargement, hair loss, testicular atrophy, and peripheral neuropathy.

Site Topics

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Some of our most commonly asked questions and our answers to them.

  • What Is Hepatitis C?

    Learn about the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).

  • Hepatitis C Transmission

    Information about the transmission of Hepatitis C.

  • Hepatitis C Symptoms

    You'll find links to a comprehensive symptoms list, as well as various studies and discussions about Hepatitis C symptoms.

  • Hepatitis C Conventional Treatment

    Learn about the conventional medical treatments used to fight Hepatitis C.

  • Hepatitis C Medicines

    Numerous links to studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis of Ribavirin/Rebetron medicines.

  • Hepatitis C Natural Remedies

    A number of herbal products useful in the management of liver disease.

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  • Hepatitis C Genotypes

    Learn about Hepatitis C Genotypes and their variants.

  • Hepatitis C Doctors

    A state-by-state and worldwide reference listing physicians who treat HCV, including an email link to submit your physician for inclusion.

  • Hepatitis C Links

    Convenient links to other sites external to Hepatitis-Central.

  • Hepatitis C Forum External link

    A Bulletin Board for discussions on hepatitis, treatments, etc.

  • Hepatitis C Activism External link

    An easy way to get involved in urging our government to do more for Hepatitis C awareness and treatment research.

  • Hepatitis B

    Numerous links to various Hepatitis B related information, including transmission, symptoms and treatment.

  • Biopsy Information

    A comprehensive resource of information relating to the liver biopsy.

  • Cirrhosis

    Many discussions and analyses of cirrhosis, including causes, complications, pathology, symptoms, and much more.

  • Glossary

    Commonly used medical terms and definitions.

  • Lab Tests

    What they are and what they mean. Helps you interpret & understand all the various hepatitis lab tests likely to be encountered.

  • Liver Cancer

    Liver Cancer/Hepatocellular Carcinoma studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis.

  • Liver Disease Medicines

    An exhaustive list of links to studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis of the various drugs used to treat liver disease.

  • Viral Load

    Provides detailed information on how to analyze and interpret viral load numbers as well as a link to a convenient Viral Load Chart.

  • What is...?

    Learn more about various Hepatitis C related topics, including HCV, Ascites, Biopsies, and much more.

  • Hepatitis C Books

    Recommended reading for those interested in hepatitis information.

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