Managing the complications of cirrhosis.

K V Menon, P S Kamath

Journal: Mayo Clinic proceedings 2000;75(5):501-9

PMID: 10807079

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

The 3 major and potentially fatal complications of cirrhosis of the liver result from portal hypertension and include variceal bleeding, ascites, and encephalopathy. The cause of other complications, eg, thyroid dysfunction and hepatopulmonary syndrome, is uncertain. Several recent advances have occurred in the treatment of varices. However, treatment of ascites is still primarily confined to achieving a negative sodium balance, and therapy for encephalopathy centers on the use of lactulose. Although effective therapy may be available for most complications of cirrhosis, a major complication indicates a poor long-term prognosis. Liver transplantation is the only effective long-term treatment of complications due to cirrhosis.

Address: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

DOI: 10.4065/75.5.501

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/cirrhosis.html

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

MeSH Terms: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists, Endoscopy, Esophageal and Gastric Varices, Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Hepatopulmonary Syndrome, Humans, Hypertension, Portal, Hypothyroidism, Liver Cirrhosis, Peritonitis, Prognosis, Sclerotherapy