Cirrhosis
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Cirrhosis is a "liver disease in which the normal microcirculation, the gross vascular anatomy, and the hepatic architecture have been variably destroyed and altered with fibrous septa surrounding regenerated or regenerating parenchymal nodules."[1]
Complications
Ascites
Esophageal varices
Patients with a platelet count of less than 40 and a palpable spleen are more likely to have esophageal varices.[2] Varices are also more likely according to a clinical prediction rule if a patient has an increased alanine transaminase (ALT) level, reduced albumin level, and presence of spider angiomas.[3]
Hepatic encephalopathy
Hepatorenal syndrome
Prognosis
MELD Score
The MELD Score can help predict mortality. An online calculator is available.
References
- ↑ Anonymous. Liver cirrhosis. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved on 2008-01-07.
- ↑ Sharma SK, Aggarwal R (2007). "Prediction of large esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis of the liver using clinical, laboratory and imaging parameters". J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 22 (11): 1909–15. DOI:10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.04501.x. PMID 17914969. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Berzigotti A, Gilabert R, Abraldes JG, et al (May 2008). "Noninvasive prediction of clinically significant portal hypertension and esophageal varices in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis". Am. J. Gastroenterol. 103 (5): 1159–67. DOI:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2008.01826.x. PMID 18477345. Research Blogging.