Model and actor Sana Makbul, who won Bigg Boss OTT 3 in 2024, recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and is trying her best to avoid a liver transplant. She added that she was already battling autoimmune hepatitis, which had now progressed to cirrhosis.
“I’ve been living with autoimmune hepatitis for a while now, but recently things got worse. My immune system started attacking my liver more aggressively, and I’ve now been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis,” Sana said, adding, “but I’m trying to stay strong and taking one day at a time.”
Sharing that immunotherapy has started, Sana told Hindustan Times: “The doctors and I are doing everything we can to avoid a liver transplant. I’ve started immunotherapy — it’s really intense and tiring. Some days are harder than others. But I’m holding on to hope. I just want to get better without needing something as big as a liver transplant. It’s not going to be easy, but I am not ready to give up so easily. Some days I cry, some days I laugh, but every day, I try. As they say, healing is a journey, and I’m learning as I go”.
Taking a cue from her diagnosis, let’s understand all about the condition and whether a liver transplant can be avoided, like Sana is hoping for.
What is liver cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis?
Liver cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease characterised by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, impairing liver function, said Dr Ameet Mandot, director, department of Hepatology and Liver Transplant Medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals Parel, Mumbai.
“It develops gradually due to conditions like chronic alcohol use, hepatitis infections likely from viruses, or fatty liver. As the scarring worsens, the liver struggles to do its job of filtering toxins, processing nutrients, and aiding digestion,” said Dr Saiprasad Girish Lad, consultant gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and therapeutic GI endoscopist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.
Notably, autoimmune hepatitis is when the body’s immune system wrongly attacks the liver. “Over time, this causes chronic inflammation and leads to scarring, eventually progressing to cirrhosis if untreated. The good news is, with early diagnosis and proper medication, we can control it and protect the liver from long-term damage,” said Dr Lad.
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Here’s what to consider (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Can a liver transplant be avoided?
Dr Lad said a transplant can be avoided if cirrhosis is detected early and managed well. “Treating the underlying causes, like stopping alcohol abuse, managing hepatitis, or reducing fat in the liver, can prevent further damage. With regular follow-ups and medication, many patients live well without needing a transplant,” said Dr Lad.
What can help patients manage cirrhosis better?
Apart from avoiding alcohol altogether, eating a healthy, low-sodium diet, and staying physically active helps, said Dr Lad. “Avoid self-medication or herbal remedies, as they may harm the liver. Regular monitoring, timely treatment, and patient awareness are key to living better with cirrhosis,” said Dr Lad.
What to note?
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While these measures can help manage cirrhosis and improve quality of life, they may not reverse significant liver damage, contended Dr Mandot. “In advanced cases, a liver transplant may still be necessary. Therefore, early detection and proactive healthcare are essential,” said Dr Mandot.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
