Seminars in liver disease
-
Acute liver failure (ALF) in children differs from that observed in adults in both the etiologic spectrum and the clinical picture. Children, particularly very young ones, do not demonstrate classical features of encephalopathy and the definition of ALF has been revised to include patients with advanced coagulopathy, regardless of mental status. A significant number of these children will go on to require transplant or die. ⋯ In almost 50% of cases, however, the child has an indeterminate cause for ALF. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach and is directed at establishing the etiology where possible and monitoring, anticipating, and managing the multisystem complications that occur in children with ALF. Overall, short-term outcomes are better in children than adults but are dependent upon the degree of encephalopathy and diagnosis.
-
Liver cirrhosis is associated with several cardiovascular abnormalities. Despite an increased baseline cardiac output, cirrhotic patients have a suboptimal ventricular response to stress. This phenomenon is called cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. ⋯ Moreover, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy may play a role in the pathogenesis of hepatorenal syndrome. Treatment of this condition is mainly supportive. Orthotopic liver transplantation appears to improve or normalize the condition, generally after a period of several months.
-
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a functional renal failure that frequently develops in patients with advanced cirrhosis and severe impairment in systemic circulatory function. Traditionally it has been considered to be the consequence of a progression of the splanchnic arterial vasodilation occurring in these patients. However, recent data indicate that a reduction in cardiac output also plays a significant role. ⋯ In addition to renal failure, patients with type-1 HRS present deterioration in the function of other organs, including the heart, brain, liver, and adrenal glands. Type-1 HRS is the complication of cirrhosis associated with the worst prognosis. However, effective treatments of HRS (vasoconstrictors associated with intravenous albumin, transjugular intrahepatic portacaval shunt, albumin dialysis) that can improve survival have recently been introduced.
-
Seminars in liver disease · Feb 2008
ReviewBacterial infections, sepsis, and multiorgan failure in cirrhosis.
Bacterial infections are an important complication of cirrhosis, particularly in hospitalized patients. In this article we review the prevalence, risk factors, and pathogenesis of bacterial infections in cirrhosis, focusing on the mechanisms of bacterial translocation such as impaired immunity and bacterial overgrowth, as well as maneuvers that may inhibit bacterial translocation and could be used not only to prevent infections but also to ameliorate the hyperdynamic circulatory state of cirrhosis. ⋯ It has been recognized that SBP and other bacterial infections lead to the systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and multiorgan failure. We review the pathogenesis and management of these complications, the role of adrenal insufficiency, and the utility of intensive care prognostic models.