Other conditions that might have Fibrosis as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Fibrosis. Our database lists the following as having Fibrosis as a complication of that condition:
Conditions listing Fibrosis as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Fibrosis. Our database lists the following as having Fibrosis as a symptom of that condition:
The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Fibrosis:
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Fibrosis may be found in:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Fibrosis.
The gene responsible for cystic fibrosis (located on chromosome 7) encodes a protein that involves chloride transport across epithelial membranes; over 100 specific mutations of the gene are known. (See Cystic fibrosis transmission risk.) The immediate causes of symptoms in cystic fibrosis are increased viscosity of bronchial, pancreatic, and other mucous gland secretions and consequent obstruction of glandular ducts. Cystic fibrosis accounts for almost all cases of pancreatic enzyme deficiency in children.
In the United States, the incidence of cystic fibrosis is highest in Whites of northern European ancestry (1 in 2,000 live births) and lowest in Blacks (1 in 17,000 live births), Native Americans, and people of Asian ancestry. The disease occurs equally in both sexes.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
These clinical types of cirrhosis reflect its diverse etiology:
❑ Portal, nutritional, or alcoholic (Laennec’s) cirrhosis, the most common type, occurs in 30% to 50% of cirrhotic patients, up to 90% of whom have a history of alcoholism. Liver damage results from malnutrition, especially of dietary protein, and chronic alcohol ingestion. Fibrous tissue forms in portal areas and around central veins.
❑ Biliary cirrhosis (15% to 20% of patients) results from injury or prolonged obstruction.
❑ Postnecrotic (posthepatic) cirrhosis (10% to 30% of patients) stems from various types of hepatitis.
❑ Pigment cirrhosis (5% to 10% of patients) may result from disorders such as hemochromatosis.
❑ Cardiac cirrhosis (rare) refers to liver damage caused by right-sided heart failure.
❑ Idiopathic cirrhosis (about 10% of patients) has no known cause.
Noncirrhotic fibrosis may result from schistosomiasis or congenital hepatic fibrosis or may be idiopathic.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
IPF is the result of a cascade of events that involve inflammatory, immune, and fibrotic processes in the lung. However, despite many studies and hypotheses, the stimulus that begins the progression remains unknown. Speculation has revolved around viral and genetic causes, but no good evidence has been found to support either theory. However, it’s clear that chronic inflammation plays an important role. Inflammation develops the injury and the fibrosis that ultimately distorts and impairs the structure and function of the alveolocapillary gas exchange surface.
IPF is slightly more common in men than in women and is more common in smokers than in nonsmokers. It usually affects people ages 50 to 70.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease resulting from mutations in a gene located on chromosome 7. The gene responsible for cystic fibrosis encodes a protein that involves chloride transport across epithelial membranes. The most common mutation in the cystic fibrosis gene involves a deletion resulting in absence of phenylalanine at the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator. There have been more than 800 mutations identified to date.
The immediate causes of symptoms are increased viscosity of bronchial, pancreatic, and other mucous gland secretions and consequent obstruction of glandular ducts. Cystic fibrosis accounts for almost all cases of pancreatic enzyme deficiency in children.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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