Cirrhosis and Complications of Portal Hypertension

Abstract

Cirrhosis is the most advanced stage of all the different types of chronic liver diseases. It is defined as a diffuse disorganization of normal hepatic structure by extensive fibrosis associated with regenerative nodules. Hepatic fibrosis is potentially reversible if the causative agent is removed. However, advanced cirrhosis leads to major alterations in the hepatic vascular bed and is usually irreversible. Cirrhosis is a progressive and severe clinical condition associated with considerable morbidity and high mortality. It leads to a wide spectrum of characteristic clinical manifestations, mainly attributable to hepatic insufficiency and portal hypertension. Major complications of portal hypertension include ascites, gastrointestinal (GI) variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), renal failure, and bacterial infections. In recent years, major advances in the understanding of the natural history and pathophysiology of cirrhosis and the treatment of its complications have led to improved management, quality of life, and life expectancy of patients with this disease. Cirrhosis is also a risk factor for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Decompensated cirrhosis carries a poor short-term prognosis; thus, orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) should always be considered in suitable candidates. This chapter describes the epidemiology, etiology and genetic factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis, general management, and treatment of cirrhosis. Complications of cirrhosis are discussed, including ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, dilutional hyponatremia, hepatorenal syndrome, variceal bleeding, hepatopulmonary syndrome and postpulmonary hypertension, HE, and HCC. Indications and contraindications for liver transplantation are described. Figures show liver biopsy results and ultrasound images in cirrhosis from hepatitis C, a patient with tense ascites, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS), large esophageal varices with red spots, and HCC. Tables outline the main causes of cirrhosis and the diagnostic methods for identifying them, the Child-Pugh score, diagnostic criteria for hepatorenal syndrome, grades of HE, and indications for liver transplantation.This chapter contains 6 highly rendered figures, 8 tables, 73 references.