Cirrhosis refers to severe, structure-distorting liver scarring. The presence or absence of specific complications distinguish the 4 cirrhosis stages.

Most retrospective studies have shown that a daily intake of alcohol greater than 4-5 drinks per day for males and about 1.5 drinks per day for females increases the risk of cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis of the liver is a condition that causes permanent scarring of the liver.

Liver cirrhosis can be the result of certain viral infections (such as the hepatitis viruses) or due to the ingestion of toxins (including large amounts of alcohol). When the liver becomes heavily damaged, it can stop making certain proteins, including the blood protein albumin.