Cirrhosis occurs when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, partially blocking blood flow and preventing the liver's ability to control infections, removes bacteria and toxins from the blood, and to produce proteins to regulate blood clotting and bile to absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins. With an estimated prevalence between five and ten percent, cirrhosis is the twelfth leading cause of death by disease, leading to 27,000 deaths per year. Heavy alcohol consumption and hepatotropic viruses (hepatitis B and C) are the major contributors to this disease's prevalence (NDDIC, 2003).