Final answer:
Jaundice in cirrhosis patients is caused by the liver's inability to properly process and excrete bilirubin due to scarring and impaired function. This leads to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood and the hallmark yellowing of the skin and eyes. Additionally, portal hypertension can exacerbate this condition by preventing the detoxification of bilirubin by the liver.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jaundice, also known as icterus, occurs when there is an accumulation of bilirubin in the body, leading to the yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes. In patients with cirrhosis, the liver tissue becomes scarred and the normal structure and function are disrupted. The scarring impairs the liver's ability to process and excrete bilirubin, which is a byproduct of the natural breakdown of red blood cells.
The result is an increase in both conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin levels in the blood, causing jaundice. Furthermore, portal hypertension can occur due to the obstruction of blood flow through the liver, leading to the development of portal systemic anastomoses or shunts, which allow blood to bypass the liver, missing the filtration process that normally removes bilirubin from the blood.
There are several types of jaundice: hemolytic (prehepatic), hepatic (parenchymatous), and obstructive (post-hepatic). Cirrhosis-related jaundice is categorized as hepatic, attributed to the liver not functioning adequately due to damage from toxins, infections, or alcoholism. It results in a dysfunctional bilirubin excretion process and the accumulation of these bile pigments in the bloodstream and peripheral tissues, giving them a yellow color.