In most cases, cirrhosis cannot be reversed. It’s a severe form of liver damage characterised by
Recent studies have found that some damage from cirrhosis may be reversible. But these changes may take too long to occur to have any significant impact on your life expectancy when considering the effects of cirrhosis.
Some treatments may help slow down liver damage and prevent it from getting worse.
Cirrhosis is the most severe form of liver fibrosis (scarring). The accumulation of scar tissue and nodules replaces the healthy tissue of the liver. Over time, this prevents the liver from functioning properly and impacts blood flow.
According to a 2022 review, cirrhosis becomes irreversible when nodules begin to develop on the liver. These usually appear after a severe degree of fibrosis.
The review authors and other experts note that some liver fibrosis may be reversible before these nodules appear. This suggests that some liver damage may be reversible in the earlier stages of cirrhosis.
However, it’s important to note that the significance of this reversibility is very small, especially if the liver is severely damaged by scarring.
Managing the underlying cause of cirrhosis may, to some extent, help prevent the progression of liver scarring and the possible development of nodules. But any cirrhosis reversal will most likely require a specific type of treatment.
Some research found that a splenectomy may lead to long-term reversal of cirrhosis.
Another study in people with compensated nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)) found that taking 3 milligrams (mg) of aldafermin for 48 weeks helped reduce liver fibrosis.
However, the effects of decompensated MASH are unknown, which is a more severe, irreversible type of MASH.
If you’re living with end stage cirrhosis, a doctor can help you decide whether you might be a candidate for a liver transplant. This may be the most effective way of “reversing” cirrhosis.