Exam 1: Cirrhosis Flashcards
What is a detectable and pathological collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity?
Ascites
Ascites most common complication of what?
Cirrhosis
Common Causes of ascites?
Chronic liver dz, portal HTN, hypo albuminuria, cardiac, TB, lymphoma
First indication of cirrhosis on physical exam?
Flank dullness
Symptomatic clues for ascites
Chronic liver disease - Palmar erythema, spider nevi, jaundice
Portal HTN – splenomegaly and large collateral veins
Cardiac – engorged jugular veins
Lymph Nodes – TB or Lymphoma
What is involved with the work up for ascites?
LABS: CBC, CMP, LFTS, Urea Abdominal US Dx Paracentesis Ascitic Fluid Analysis Calculate SAAG
How many grades of ascites?
3
Grade 1 ascites detectable only by what?
Ultrasound
Grade 2 ascites in abdomen looks like?
Moderate symmetric enlargement of abdomen
Grade 3 ascites looks like what in abdomen? What additional thing does it have?
Marked abdominal enlargement. Transmitted thrill.
DX for ascites?
Paracentesis
What does SAAG stand for in ascites?
Serum albumin ascites gradient
How is SAAG calculated?
Serum albumin - ascites albumin
SAAG >1.1 result indicates what? What does it suggest?
> 1.1 indicates portal HTN. Suggests non-peritoneal cause of ascites.
Tx for Grade 1 ascites?
Salt restriction (dont need to know numbers)
Tx for Grade 2 ascites?
Salt restriction + diuretics (K+ sparring Spironolacton)
When would you consider fluid restriction in ascites?
ONLY considered in those with dilutional hyponatremia
Na < 125
Normal = 135-145
What type of diuretics to use for ascites?
Aldosterone-antagonist (ex: Spironolactone)
Why are aldosterone antagonists preferred over loops?
Renal sodium retention in pots with cirrhosis is d/t increased Prox and diet tubular Na reabsorption and not decrease in filtered Na
Also these pt have increased serum aldosterone d/t decreased intravascular volume and decreased renal perfusion—> RAAS
Decreased excretion d/t hepatic impairment —> decreased metabolism
What to add if hyperkalemic in ascites?
Furosemide
When to d/c Furosemide in ascites?
Na <120, renal failure, encephalopathy, severe muscle cramps
Severe hypoK < 3
Goal of weight loss if + edema in ascites?
1kg/d max
Goal of weight loss if no edema in ascites?
0.5kg/d max
Tx for Grade 3 ascites?
Large volume paracentesis + salt restrict + diuretics
Volume to drain from paracentesis in ascites?
5L
What to add when doing paracentesis in ascites to prevent circulatory dysfunction?
Albumin 6-8g/L
Tx is Grade 3 ascites and having to do paracentesis 3+ per month and not a liver transplant candidate?
TIPS
What does TIPS do in ascites?
Shunt between high pressure portal vein to low pressure hepatic vein
When is TIPS Contraindicated
If already Hepatic Encephalopathic, will accumulate more ammonia
What is considered portal vein HTN?
Pressure > 10-12mmHg