PREVIEWChronic liver disease is marked by the gradual destruction of liver tissue over time. Liver diseases in this category include: CirrhosisFibrosis of the liverCirrhosis of the LiverAccording to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), cirrhosis is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States.Because of chronic damage to the liver: Scar tissue slowly replaces normal functioning liver tissue.The scar tissue progressively diminishes the blood flow through the liver.As the normal liver tissue is lost, the liver can no longer effectively process nutrients, hormones, drugs and poisons.In addition, the liver cannot effectively produce proteins and other substances.Fibrosis of the LiverFibrosis is the growth of scar tissue due to infection, inflammation, injury or even healing. The overgrowth of scar tissue can occur in almost any organ. Fibrosis in the liver can prevent the organ from properly functioning. Liver fibrosis is usually the result of cirrhosi