Cholestatic liver disease

The term "cholestasis" refers to pathologies accompanied by impaired formation or excretion of bile. The problem can occur in any part of the liver and proceed with varying degrees of severity.

Cholestatic diseases are divided into two types:

  1. Extrahepatic. Caused by blockage or damage to the bile ducts.
  2. Intrahepatic. They arise as a result of violations in the functioning of liver cells, destruction of ducts inside the organ.

As a result, bile stagnation occurs or its outflow completely stops. It is a corrosive liquid intended for digestion. The main factors leading to cholestasis:

  • stones in the liver, bile ducts;
  • inflammatory diseases - hepatitis;
  • cirrhosis;
  • pancreatitis;
  • parasites (opisthorchis, lamblia, roundworm, echinococcus);
  • thrombosis of the veins of the liver;
  • oncological diseases;
  • infectious processes;
  • amyloidosis;
  • alcoholic, drug intoxication;
  • inflammation of the bile ducts;
  • autoimmune pathologies.

The manifestations of cholestatic diseases are similar, since they are based on the same pathological mechanism. The elements of bile, being inside the liver, create pressure on the walls of blood vessels, expanding the organ. Due to the strong effect, they begin to be absorbed into the blood. In this regard, the following clinical symptoms are observed: itching, jaundice, dark urine, lightening of feces.

With a long course of the disease, due to a lack of bile in the process of digestion, the breakdown and absorption of fat-soluble substances, primarily vitamins, are disturbed. This leads to impaired twilight vision, softening of bones, muscle weakness, and the appearance of bruises on the skin and mucous membranes. Xanthomas are formed - flat and soft yellowish formations on the face, arms, chest, back. They are an indicator of impaired fat metabolism.

Diagnosis of cholestatic liver diseases consists of interviewing and examining the patient, laboratory and instrumental examinations. The main diagnostic methods include:

  • biochemical blood test - specific indicators of cholestasis (alkaline phosphatase, leucine aminopeptidase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, 5'-nucleotidase), the level of bilirubin, cholesterol, AST, ALT;
  • general urine analysis;
  • Ultrasound;
  • CT, MRI - they give a clearer and more detailed picture, help to identify the stage of violations.

In some cases, a biopsy is indicated.

Treatment of cholestasis is aimed at eliminating the cause, relieving symptoms of the disease, and making the patient's life easier.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to influence the factors that caused the problem. If, when the bile ducts are blocked, surgery is performed, in the case of viral hepatitis, antiviral drugs are prescribed, then liver cirrhosis does not develop backwards.

In order to reduce the level of bile acids in the blood, ursodeoxycholic acid preparations and sorbents are prescribed.

Nutrition plays an important role. Diet recommendations for cholestasis:

  1. Regular food intake - 4-5 times a day. Avoid both overeating and starvation.
  2. Optimal heat treatment: braising, cooking, grilling without oil. Steam dishes will also be beneficial.
  3. Exclude legumes, tomatoes, spinach, sorrel, sweet pastries, cakes, pastries, lard, fatty meats, fish and offal from the menu. Remove foods that irritate the intestinal mucosa: hot spices, smoked meats, horseradish, mustard, ginger, garlic, onions, radishes, radishes, etc.
  4. You can vegetable soups in vegetable oil, cookies. Vegetables can be raw or boiled and stewed.
  5. It is important to regulate protein intake. Beef, eggs in the form of an omelet are allowed. Fresh non-sour cottage cheese or as part of casseroles, cheese cakes, lazy dumplings should be consumed 150-200 g per day.
  6. Drinks include weak tea, compotes, rosehip broth, jelly, fresh juices, low-fat kefir and milk. Cocoa, coffee, alcohol are prohibited.
  7. Chocolate can be used occasionally in small quantities. Sugar, honey will not harm you within the normal diet.

You can get help in the diagnosis, treatment and selection of a diet from the specialists of our clinic.

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Specialists

All specialists
Galimova
Saida Faritovna

Gastroenterologist, hepatologist

PhD

Gasoline
Ekaterina Ilyinichna

Infectious disease physician