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Abstract Details
The Gastroenterologist's Guide to Preventive Management of Compensated Cirrhosis
Shetty A1, Jun Yum J1, Saab S1. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2019 Aug;15(8):423-430.
Author information
1 Dr Shetty is a fellow in the Department of Medicine, Mr Yum is a research assistant in the Department of Surgery, and Dr Saab is a professor in the Departments of Medicine and Surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California.
Abstract
Despite advances in medical care, the prevalence and mortality associated with cirrhosis continue to rise. The majority of medical care and physician efforts are devoted to the management of decompensated cirrhosis and its complications of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hepatic encephalopathy, and ascites; however, limited efforts are placed on the medical management of compensated cirrhosis. Patients with compensated cirrhosis carry a higher survival rate, and, when diagnosed early, may be screened for future decompensation. When possible, these patients can be treated for their underlying disease to prevent disease progression and avoid the need for liver transplantation. This article reviews the importance of early diagnosis, outpatient management of compensated cirrhosis, early screening for potential decompensation, and patient education.