Managing complications in cirrhotic patients

United European Gastroenterol J. 2015 Feb;3(1):80-94. doi: 10.1177/2050640614560452.

Abstract

Liver cirrhosis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. This life-threatening condition usually arises from complications of cirrhosis. While variceal bleeding is the most acute and probably best studied, several other complications of liver cirrhosis are more insidious in their onset but nevertheless more important for the long-term management and outcome of these patients. This review summarizes the topics discussed during the UEG-EASL Hepatology postgraduate course of the United European Gastroenterology Week 2013 and discusses emergency surgical conditions in cirrhotic patients, the management of hepatic encephalopathy, ascites and hepatorenal syndrome, coagulation disorders, and liver cancer.

Keywords: Hepatic encephalopathy; ascites; cirrhosis; coagulation; coagulopathy; emergency; hepatocellular carcinoma; hepatorenal syndrome.