19 - Cirrhosis Flashcards
Liver Functions
You can NOT live w/o a functioning liver
Metabolizes / Stores nutrients
Synthesizes Molecules (such as cloting factors)
Breaks down Toxins
Participates in the immune sytem
Number 1 cause of cirrhosis?
ALCOHOL
Damages liver by causing fatty infiltrates = Steatosis
Damage varies by amount / duration of use + GENETICS
Heavy Drinking = >2drinks/day for men
Causes of CIRRHOSIS
Except for Viral and Alcoholic
NASH = Non-alcoholic Seatohepatisis
common in OBESITY
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
immune attack on BILE DUCTS
Autoimmune Hepatitis
immune attack on hepatocytes
- *Hemochromatosis**
- *iron** overload from over-absorption
Signs & Symptoms of CIRRHOSIS
Typically well-compensated, without Signs or symptoms
Onset of complications can be insidious:
Malaise / Fatigue / poor appetite
ESLD = Decompensated Cirrhosis, involves
Jaundice / Ascites / Encephalopathy / Variceal Bleeding
ESLD: SIGNS
End stage liver disease, decompensated cirrhosis
Jaundice
Ascites
Caput medusa
snake looking things on abdomin
Spider Angioma
Palmar Erythema
red palms
Viral Causes of Cirrhosis
HEP C is MOST common cause for LIVER TRANSPLANT
20-30% will develop Cirrhosis within 20 years
Hep B is more common common in ASIANS
Characteristic LAB VALUES in ESLD
- *HIGH INR & Prolonged Prothrombin Time**
- reduced synthesis of clotting factors*
- *Thrombocytopenia**
- =low platelets, decreased thrombopoetin +* splenomegaly
- *Low ALBUMIN**
- poor synthetic function in the liver + poor nutrition*
Child Pugh Classification
GRADES WHAT?
Scoring System for ESLD, grading:
Encephalopathy (confusion)
Ascites
Bilirubin (mg/dL)
Albumin (g/dl)
Prothrombin ratio or time
Different Grades for
Child Pugh Classification
A = <6
highly survivable
B = 7-9
moderate, 81% 1 year survival , 57% 2-year
Grade C = score >9
severe disease, 45% 1 year survival
MELD** **Classification
Model for ESLD
score assess risk of death while awaiting LIVER TRANSPLANT
Exponential formula based on:
INR + Bilirubin
Serum Creatinine / Sodium
Higher the MELD score means what?
HIGHER RISK OF DEATH
ALSO
HIGHER ON THE PRIORITY LIST FOR LIVER TRANSPLANT
Portal Vein
(portal hypertention)
Collects BLOOD from GI Tract –> LIVER
vein that ENTERS the organ (liver)
FIRST PASS METABOLISM
- *25%** cardiac output is delivered to the LIVER
- *66%** of that is via the PORTAL VEIN
1-1.5 L/min
Portal HYPERtension
Caused by what TWO types of resistance?
INCREASED Resistance to flow** through **LIVER
- *Fixed Resistance** = nonreversible
- *Fibrosis** –> destroys sinusoids –> causes physical blockage
Variable Resistance = reversible
Caused by vasoconstrictors such as endothelin in liver
Portal HYPERtension
has INCREASED blood flow due to what?
INCREASED Blood Flow** through the **PORTAL VEIN
Vasodilation of splanchnic circulation
NO2 + Prostaglandins + TNF-alpha
Expanded Plasma Volume
Due to INCREASED sodium retention
How does CIRRHOSIS result in PORTAL HYPERTENSION?
INCREASED Intrahepatic RESISTANCE
INCREASED Portal blood flow
V
V
V
INCREASED PORTAL PRESSURE = Portal HYPERtension
OHMS LAW
Pressure = Resistance X Flow
How to Measure portal hypertension?
HVPG / WHVP / FHVP
HVPG = Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient
- *HVPG = WHVP - FHVP**
- *HVPG > 5mmHG = PORTAL HYPERTENTION**
WHVP = Wedged hepatic venous pressure
= Hepatic sinusoid pressure
FHVP = Free hepatic venous pressure
= Hepatic OUTFLOW pressure
How does
PORTAL HYPERTENSION lead to VARICEAL HEMORRHAGE?
Complications of Cirrhosis
Portal HT -> DILATION of collateral vessels
giving alternate routes of systemic curculation to:
Rectal / Splenic Veins
Paraumbilical Veins -> Caput Medusa
Intrinsic veins of esophagus –> VARICES
Esophageal Varices
Portal HT –> alternate routes of circulation
–> blood to the ESOPHAGUS
= vomitting blood / tarry stools
Screening for varices for people with cirrhosis
And Prevention
Endoscopic GRADING of severity
small or large varices (increased risk for bleeding)
if we see LARGE or Tensioned varices then…..
- *PRIMARY PREVENTION** (prophylaxis)
- *Actions to prevent a FIRST EVENT**
1st line therapy for Primary Prevention of Varices
and what do these agents do?
Primary Prevention = Actions to prevent a FIRST event
- *NON-Selective Beta Blockers**
- *B2 blockages** results in:
splanchnic vasoCONSTRICTION,
which decreases portal blood flow + pressure
reduces FIRST incidence of 1st variceal bleed
by about HALF
Non-Selective Beta Blockers
Types & Use
Primary Prevention of Varices
NEED to have the Beta-2 action
Propranolol = 20mg BID
Nadolol = 40mg HS
Carvedilol = 3.125mg BID
goal is to REDUCE HVPG < 12mm HG
Propranolol Dose
for Primary Prevention of Varices
20mg BID
Non-selective beta blocker
Nadolol Dose
for Primary Prevention of Varices
40 mg at Bedtime
Non-selective Beta Blocker
Carvedilol Dose
for Primary Prevention of Varices
3.125 mg** **BID
Non-Selective Beta Blocker
Signs and SYMPTOMS of UPPER GI BLEED
Acute Variceal Bleeding
Weakness / Fatigue / Dizziness
HEMATEMESIS
blood in VOMIT
MELENA
DARK + tarry stools
Treatment for Acute Variceal Bleeding
- *Medical Procedures:**
- *Band Ligation** + Sclerotherapy + Baloon tamponade
Pharmacologic Therapy
Octreotide
Vasopressin
Band Ligation
Treatment for Acute Variceal Bleeding
Endoscopic placement of a elastic band around the varix
Tissue necrosis –> variceal obliteration
Sclerotherapy
- *Treatment for Acute Variceal Bleeding**
- not done so often anymore*
Injection of sclerosing agent into the varis
induces thrombosis + scarring
Balloon Tamponade
LAST RESORT Treatment for Variceal Bleeding
Baloons compress varices
HIGH RATE of REBLEEDING
“HAIL MARY”
Drug of Choice for
Treatment for Acute Variceal Bleeding
- *OCTREOTIDE**
- ONLY AN ADJUNCT to Medical treatment*
Long-Acting Somatostatin Analogue
selective splanchnic vasoCONSTRICTOR
reduces portal pressure
50 mcg IV LoadingDose –> 50mcg/hr IV
Octreotide
Dose / Indication / ADR
Pharmaceutic Drug of choice for Variceal Bleeding
splanhnic vasoconstrictor
- *50 mcg IV LoadingDose
- -> 50mcg/hr IV**
~72 hours to reduce re-bleeding risk
Risk of hypo/hyper_glycemia_ + _bradycardia_ +
headache / abcramp
Vasopressin
Dose / Indication / ADR
2ndary Treatment for Acute Variceal Bleeding
not preferrable to OCTREOTIDE
0.4 - 0.8 units/min
a very HIGH dose
RARELY USED TOO MANY ADR
Risk of ISCHEMIA / hyponatremia
Alternate Medication Therapy for
Variceal Bleeding
ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY
Reduces mortality in patients with ELSD who have an
upper GI bleed (includes variceal bleed)
- *CEFTRIAXONE**
- *1g IV QD**
- *LEVOFLOXACIN**
- *500mg QD** (IV or PO)
for 5-7 days
Antibiotic Therapies for Variceal Bleeding
Drug Names / Doses / Duration
- *Ceftriaxone_ _IV**
- *1g qd**
- *Levofloxacin**
- *500mg QD** (IV or PO)
5 to 7 days
Intrahepatic SHUNT
TIPS
Used as SALVAGE THERAPY
when endoscopic intervention + drug therapy FAIL
“total hail mary”
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosytemic SHUNT
Creates a shunt between portal & hepatic veins
1st & 2nd line Treatment for
Primary Prevention of Variceal Bleed
NON-selective BETA BLOCKER
Propranolol / Nadolol / Carvedalol
2nd = Band Ligation
1st & 2nd line Treatment for
ACUTE VARICEAL BLEED
OCTREOTIDE + Band Ligation
50 mcg IV LoadingDose
TIPS
SHUNT
1st & 2nd line Treatment for
SECONDARY PREVENTION
(prevent a RE-BLEED)
Beta Blocker + Band Ligation
Propranolol / Nadalol / Carvedilol
TIPS** or **TRANSPLANT
Shunt
Non-Pharmacological Treatment for
ASCITIS
_Restrict SODIUM INTAKE_
<2 grams / day
without sodium restriction diuretics will FAIL
only restrict FLUIDS
if HYPONATREMIA is present
1 - 1.5 L / day , Na <125
Medical Treatment of ASCITES
LVP = large volume PARACENTESIS of >3Liters
simply removing the ascites, usually with albumin infusions
SHUNTS = TIPS
used in refractory ascites, that need FREQUENT LVP
Pharmacologic Treatment of Ascites
DIURETICS
Furosemide / Spironolactone / Amiloride
Goal is to decrease ascites
without hypoVOLEMIA
Spironolactone
Indication / Dose / ADR
Treatment of ASCITES
Potassium Sparing Diuretic
competetive inhibitor of aldosterone
100 mg QD –> max 400mg/day
ADR:
ELEVATED K / hypoNATREMIA / _gynecomastia_
Furosemide
Indication / Dose / ADR
CO-Treatment for ASCITES
Loop Diuretic
Ratio of 100mg Spironolactone
to each 40mg qd of Furosemide
less efficacious ALONE vs w/ spironolactone for CIRRHOSIS
hypoKalemia = counteracted by spironolactone
Amiloride
Indication / Dose / ADR
Used when patient
does NOT want to take Spironolactone due to GYNOCOMASTIA
Not first line therapy, for ASCITES
- *10 mg Amiloride**
- instead of 100mg spironolactone*
How does Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis occur?
SBP
Complication of Cirrhosis
Bacteria overgrowth due to poor immune system
V
Bacteria TRANSLOCATE across the intestinal wall
V
ESCAPED bacteria enter the ascites fluid
SBP
How is SBP Diagnosed?
Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonites
PMN > 250/mm^3
= Polymorphonuclear Cell Count
if a Positive Cuture:
treat for GNR (gram negative rods)
Cefotaxime
Dose / Indication
Treatment for SBP = Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
or CN SBP = Culture Negative SBP
or Symptomatic MNB = Monomicrobial non-neutrocytic Bacteracscites
2 gm Q8H for 5 days
Large volume albumin infusion reduces mortality
Ceftriaxone
Dose / Indication
Treatment for SBP = Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
or CN SBP = Culture Negative SBP
or Symptomatic MNB = Monomicrobial non-neutrocytic Bacteracscites
2 gm Q2-4H for 5 days
Large volume albumin infusion reduces mortality
Quinolone IV = Levofloxacin
Dose / Indication
Used to replace Cefotaxime for TRUE PCN ALLERGY
for SBP / CN SBP / Symptomatic MNB
500 mg Q2H for 5 days
Large volume albumin infusion reduces mortality
First line treatment for HE
Hepatic Encephalopathy
LACTULOSE
non-absorbably disaccharide
Metabolized by gut bacteria,
- *OSMOTIC LAXATIVE**
- *Cathartic effect –> decreases TOXIN LOAD in COLON**
Lactulose for ACUTE Encephalopathy
Dose / ADR
ACUTE ENCEPHALOPATHY = HE
- *30-45 mL** PO or via NG Tube
- *every 2 hours** until DIARRHEA
- -> titrate to 2-4 soft stools a day
or can be given as an enema
Lactulose for CHRONIC Encephalopathy
Dose / Indication
Titrate dose to
MAINTAIN 2-4 SOFT STOOLS/DAY
dose is mainly based on DIARRHEA / BOWEL MOVEMENT
Often requires 30mL 2-4 times per day
Second / Third Line Treatment for HE
RIFAXIMIN
Antibiotic, EXPENSIVE, but NOT systemically absorbed
550mg po BID
3rd Line: Metronidazole / Neomycin
not used due to systemic absorption
250mg po BID / 500-1000mg po BID
SAAG
What is SAAG, and what does it Indicate?
Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient
SAAG = [Serum Albumin] - [Ascites Albumin]
>1.1
= likely ASCITES / Liver Disease
What BACTERIA is shown in SBP?
SBP is typically monomicrobial
E.Coli + KLEBSIELLA are MOST COMMON
(PMN > 250/mm3 in the ascites fluid)
Streptococcus / Enterococcus
is also common
Treatment for a Positive Culture of SBP?
With PMN > 250/mm3
treat ASAP for:
GNR** + **STREP
(Gram Negative Rods)
Tailor the antibiotics to culture
Usually a 3rd generation Antibiotic:
Cefotaxime / Ceftriaxone / quinolone
Treatment for Negative Culture (culture Negative) CN SBP?
With PMN > 250/mm3
treat EMPIRICALLY for:
GNR + STREP
(Gram Negative Rods)
Tailor the antibiotics to culture
Usually a 3rd generation Antibiotic:
Cefotaxime / Ceftriaxone / quinolone
Treatment for MNB?
monomicrobrial NON-Neutrocytic Bacterascitis?
- *PMN is LESS THAN < 250/mm3 **
- *+**
- *POSITIVE CULTURE**
ONLY TREAT IF SYMPTOMATIC
Treat according to the culture
Usually a 3rd generation Antibiotic:
Cefotaxime / Ceftriaxone / quinolone
What is SECONDARY Bacterial Peritonitis?
How do you treat it?
Cultures show PMN > 250/mm3 + MULTIPLE POSITIVE CULTURES
Typically from a BOWEL perforation
REQUIRES SURGICAL INTERVENTION
+
Broad Spectrum Antibiotics
that cover GNR / Anaerobes / Enterococcus
What medications are used for SBP Prophylaxis?
And what is the Indication?
Previous episode of SBP (70% chance of recurrence)
OR
Ascites protein < 1.5 g/dL + Child-Pugh > 9 OR Renal Dysfunction
Treat INDEFINITELY with:
Ciprofloxacin 500mg QD
(Norfloxacin 400mg QD)
Bactrim DS QD
What is Hepatorenal Syndome?
HRS
Complication of Cirrhosis
RENAL FAILURE linked to portal hypertention
Caused by altered hemodynamics
Splanchic + Systemic vasoDILATION
Arterial underfilling –> poor renal perfusion
activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system / SNS / ADH
- *VASOCONSTRICTION** @ KIDNEY
- decreased GFR*
What is Type 2 HRS?
Hepatorenal Syndrome
- *GRADUAL INCREASE** in
- *SCr** to >1.5
may need KINDEY TRANSPLANT
What is TYPE 1 HRS?
HepatoRenal Syndrome, ESLD with….
SCr DOUBLES to > 2.5
in less than 2 weeks
kidney transplant is NOT required
NOT:
hypovolemia / intrinsic kidney disease / obstruction
due to nephrotoxic drugs / due to SHOCK
Type 1 HRS TREATMENT
Combination treatment = HRS COCKTAIL
Octreotide** + **Midodrine** + **Albumin
100-200mcg SQ q8hr / 7.5-12.5mg PO q8hr / 40g per day
decrease vasocontriction x2 / increase blood volume