Author information

¹Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rush University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois. Electronic address: sflamm3@outlook.com.

Abstract

Cirrhosis is a prevalent, chronic condition with an asymptomatic compensated phase, in which patients may feel well, and a decompensated phase that begins with onset of complications (eg, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and/or variceal bleeding). Because patients with cirrhosis may appear healthy with normal liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, and serum bilirubin levels, awareness of clinical signals is important. For example, patients with thrombocytopenia should be evaluated for chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Early recognition and management of cirrhosis-related complications (eg, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and/or variceal bleeding) is important, given their association with hospitalization and poor prognosis (eg, increased odds of short-term mortality). Hepatic encephalopathy can be the most subtle cirrhosis-related complication, and associated cognitive impairment may be misdiagnosed. Because hepatic encephalopathy can be associated with hospital readmissions, reducing readmission rates after hepatic encephalopathy-related hospitalizations is critical. This includes incorporating ongoing therapy (eg, rifaximin plus lactulose) in postdischarge management plans to reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy recurrence. Strategies that mitigate cirrhosis progression and prevent development of cirrhosis-related complications are key to improving patient outcomes.