complications of liver disease Flashcards
what are 3 complications of liver disease
ascites (SBP) , varices, encephalopathy
primary prevention for variceal hemorrhage
non-selective beta blockers: nadolol, propranolol, carvedilol
how to titrate beta blocker dose
every 2-3 days to maximum tolerated dose, HR 55-60 bpm and BP >90/60 mmHg
whats the beta blocker duration
indefinite
general treatments for acute variceal bleed
IV fluids, blood transfusions, vasoconstriction + endoscopic therapy, short term antibiotics
which IV fluids are preferred for acute variceal bleed
NS, LR
blood transfusions maintain hemoglobin > ___
8 gm/dL
how many days should you do a vasoconstriction agent
5
what are the vasoconstriction agents
octreotide and vasopressin
which vasoconstriction agent is preferred
octreotide
how many days should you do antibiotics for acute variceal bleed
7
what antibiotics are preferred for acute variceal bleed
3rd generation cephalosporins, alternative is fluoroquinolones. start IV then switch to PO
octreotide dose?
IV bolus 25-100 mcg, continuous 25-50 mcg/hr
octreotide adverse
bradycardia, hypertension, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, malabsorption of fat, hyperglycemia
vasopressin dose?
0.2-0.4 units/min IV infusion (max 0.8 units/min)
vasopressin adverse
hypertension, severe headache, coronary and mesenteric ischemia, bowel ischemia, non-selective vasoconstriction
therapy for secondary prevention of variceal hemorrhage
non-selective BB titrated to achieve a goal HR of 55-60 bpm or the maximal tolerated dose PLUS endoscopic variceal ligation q1-2weeks until obliteration, followup 3-6mo then q6-12mo
how to calculate SAAG (serum ascites albumin gradient)
serum albumin-ascitic albumin
if SAAG is > ___, the patient almost certainly has portal hypertension
1.1 g/dL
general treatment approaches to ascites
sodium restriction, diuretics, therapeutic paracentesis, abstinence from alcohol
how should sodium be restricted with ascites
<2 grams per day
how should you give diuretics for ascites
spironolactone PLUS furosemide (100:40)
what fluids should you give for therapeutic paracentesis for ascites
if >5 L removed, give 6-8 gm 25% albumin as IV infusion per 1 L ascites removed