Child-Pugh Score for Liver Cirrhosis and its Treatment with Herbal Remedies
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is the end stage of a liver disease. It is characterized by fibrosis of the liver. In this disease normal liver cells are converted into abnormal nodules. Liver cirrhosis is a progressive disorder but progression of disease varies from person to person. In this article we will discuss the Role of the CPT score system in liver cirrhosis. Planet Ayurveda offers an effective and safe combination for management of Liver cirrhosis.
Introduction
Liver cirrhosis is the severe scarring of liver tissue. The main cause of liver scarring is prolonged exposure to toxins such as alcohol or viral infections. Liver cirrhosis tends to progress slowly and it does not cause any symptoms in initial stages. The scar tissues hamper the normal functioning of the liver such as removal of toxic substances and production of proteins and enzymes. The main symptoms are loss of appetite and indigestion.
Causes of Liver Cirrhosis
There are a number of reasons that can lead to liver cirrhosis. The process of cirrhosis can take weeks to many years. It totally depends on the underlying cause of the cirrhosis.
- Excessive intake of alcohol- Excess intake of alcohol is the most common cause of liver cirrhosis. People with regular consumption of alcohol are prone to this disease. Normal liver cells are replaced by scarring, and scarring leads to cirrhosis of liver in later conditions.
- Hepatitis B infection
- Hepatitis c infection
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver
- Biliary cirrhosis – When bile ducts are blocked due to gallstones or any other reason, your body starts attacking these ducts and can cause this type of cirrhosis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Autoimmune diseases – In this type of cirrhosis body starts attacking your own liver cells.
- Genetic disorders
- Wilson’s disease
- Certain medications such as acetaminophen and antidepressants can lead to cirrhosis.
Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis
Liver is the main organ of our body which helps in detoxification of the body. Initially there may be no symptoms but as disease progress following symptoms can be seen:
- Loss of appetite
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness
- Itching in skin
- Cramps in muscles
- Disturbed sleep
- Bloating
- Swelling over legs and abdomen
- Mental confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Diagnosis
Liver cirrhosis is diagnosed with detailed medical history and physical examination. Lab investigation for liver cirrhosis evaluation includes:
- Complete blood cell count
- Liver function test
- Liver screening
- Ultrasonography
- MRI of the abdomen
- CT scan of the abdomen
- Liver biopsy
Child pugh Score for Liver Cirrhosis
Nowadays there are several ways to determine the survival of liver cirrhosis patients. One other theme is Child- Turcotte-Pugh(CTP) score.
There is no way to know exactly how long they are going to survive but CTP gives a general idea. CTP determines the current condition of the liver and about progression of liver disease. It comprises five points which represents the severity of liver disease. Two of them (bilirubin and albumin level) are constant variables. The other three are discrete variables but play an important role in prognosis.
Five clinical measures are:
- Total bilirubin
- Serum albumin
- Prothrombin time
- Ascites
- Hepatic encephalopathy
CPT is divided into three classes depending on the points:
- Class A-If total scoring is between 5 to 6, the severity of disease is less. Estimated survival rate is 95%.
- Class B-When the total score is 7 to 9, then it is considered as a moderate severity of disease. Survival rate is upto 75%.
- Class C-In this case scarring is in between 10 to 15 points and it is considered as the most severe condition.
Herbal Remedies to Manage Liver Cirrhosis
According to Ayurveda there are three energies in our body vata, pitta and kapha. Good health is considered to be a balance of these three doshas. Liver cirrhosis occurs due to imbalance of pitta dosha, when pitta dosha is increased in the body it can lead to various problems. Pitta is mainly responsible for digestion. Planet Ayurveda offers an effective combination of herbal formulation in the form of LIVER CARE PACK. Liver cirrhosis can be managed by using this pack as it is free of chemicals and preservatives. Liver care pack includes:
- Echinacea capsules
- Yakrit Plihantak churna
- Phyllanthus niruri
- Liver detox formula
1. Echinacea Capsules
The main ingredient of these capsules is Kalmegha( Andrographis paniculata). This herb is best to pacify pitta dosha in the body and it is highly beneficial to manage liver diseases.
Dose: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
2. Yakrit Plihantak Churna
Yakrit Plihantak churna is a herbal mixture of bhumi amalaki ( Phyllanthus niruri), Kalmegha( Andrographis paniculata), Bhringraj(Eclipta alba) etc. These herbs in combination that works effectively to maintain good liver health.
Dose: 1 tsp twice daily with plain water after meals. Or you can boil 1 teaspoonful in 400 ml water. Keep it boiling until it is reduced to 50ml. Strain this mixture and drink water. Make fresh every time.
3. Phyllanthus Niruri
Bhoomi amla(Phyllanthus niruri) is the main ingredient which is used for preparation of these capsules. Bhoomi amla is rich in antioxidant properties and helps in rejuvenation of liver.
Dose: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
4. Liver Detox Formula
Liver detox formula is 100% ayurvedic formulation which is prepared by multiple herbs. It includes:
- Kutaki (Picrorhiza kurroa)
- Punarnava(Boerhavia diffusa)
- Kalmegh(Andrographis paniculata)
- Makoy(Solanum indicum)
- Kaasni(Cichorium intybus)
These herbs have liver protective action. Liver detox helps in cleansing of liver and regulates liver enzymes.
Dose: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals only.
Conclusion
Liver cirrhosis is a progressive disorder and its cardinal feature is scarring of liver. In this healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. Allopathic treatment provides symptomatic relief but Ayurveda treats the root cause of Liver cirrhosis. Hence it is concluded that this condition can be managed by the Liver care pack which is offered by Planet Ayurveda. There are no side effects of this pack as it is free of any chemicals and additives.
