What are the causes of cirrhosis?

Patient's question:

My father-in-law has always had a good appetite, and we call him a foodie. But recently, he hasn't been very hungry. We don't know what's going on, but after going to the hospital, we found out he has cirrhosis. So, we are eager to ask about the causes of cirrhosis.

Doctor's answer:

The causes of cirrhosis
1. Hepatitis viruses: The most common triggers of cirrhosis are infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV). Some individuals infected with HBV develop chronic hepatitis, and a small portion of those with chronic HBV progress to cirrhosis. Approximately half of acute HCV infections develop into chronic hepatitis, with 10% to 30% of these cases leading to cirrhosis.
2. Metabolic disorders:
- Copper metabolism disorders, seen in Wilson's disease (hepatolenticular degeneration).
- Iron metabolism disorders, seen in hemophilia, galactosemia, fibrocystic disease, α-antitrypsin deficiency, glycogen storage disease, and other conditions.
3. Drug or chemical toxic factors: Long-term use of certain drugs, such as tiopronin, penicillamine, and methyldopa, can lead to drug-induced hepatitis, which may progress to cirrhosis. Long-term exposure to certain chemical toxins, such as carbon tetrachloride, arsenic, and phosphorus, can cause toxic hepatitis, which may develop into cirrhosis.
4. Alcohol-related factors: Long-term heavy alcohol consumption causes liver cell damage, leading to fatty degeneration, necrosis, and liver fibrosis, with severe cases resulting in cirrhosis.