Histopathological assessment of the pattern of liver cirrhosis in a tropical population.

This study aims at establishing the pattern of liver cirrhosis. Histology slides and duplicate copies of reports were retrieved and re-examined while fresh sections were processed from original paraffin blocks when necessary. Cirrhosis was the second commonest cause of chronic liver disease after hepatocellular carcinoma. The commonest morphological type was macronodular cirrhosis. Micronodular cirrhosis is not as common in black Africans as among the Caucasians. This is not unexpected since alcoholic liver disease that is of aetiopathogenetic importance is also not as common as what is often found in Causasians. Biliary cirrhosis was reported in an 8 months old girl consequent upon congenital absence of gallbladder and biliary tree. There was male preponderance in the occurrence of cirrhosis with a male, female ratio of 2.5:1. The incidence gradually increased from early adult life but was highest in the middle age especially between the age group of 51-60 years and subsequently dropped sharply. Adequate diagnostic facilities should be provided to determine the incidence of hepatotropic viruses and their contribution to the incidence of chronic liver diseases. Case-controlled studies should be carried out to determine the role of local cultural practices on hepatocellular injury and the development of chronic liver disease.