Portal Hypertension Flashcards
Where is the site of increased resistance in cirrhosis?
Sinusoidal
How are pressures in the portal system measured?
HVPG: hepatic venous pressure gradient
What is the formula for HVPG?
HVPG= WHVP-FHVP
At what HVPG is portal hypertension defined? When is there a risk of variceal rupture?
HVPG >5 mmHg is portal hypertension
HVPG >12 mmHg is risk of rupture
What are the 4 locations of varices?
1) Rectal
2) Gastroesophageal
3) Caput Medusae
4) Retro-peritoneal
What is the preventative treatment for varices?
Non-selective beta blockers to decrease cardiac output and portal venous flow
What is the treatment for active variceal bleed?
1) Splanchinic vasoconstriction via vasopressin and octreotide
2) Endoscopy with band ligation (not gastric)
3) Balloon tamponade
4) TIPS (intrahepatic portosystemic shunt)
What are necessary steps to developing ascites secondary to cirrhosis ?
Sinusoidal Hypertension and HVPG > 12 mmHg
What is the mechanism of ascites development?
Increased hydro-static pressure resulting from increased portal flow and pressure
How is ascites defined?
Serum albumin to ascites gradient is >1.1 –> PHTN
What does it mean if Serum albumin to ascites gradient is <1.1?
Etiology is not due to portal hypertension; nephrotic syndrome, tuberculous peritonitis, peritoneal carcinomatosis, and pancreatic source
What is the treatment of ascites?
Diuretics Sodium restriction Therapeutic paracentesis TIPS Transplant
What is Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis?
Peritoneal infection of ascites in the absence of a perforated viscus
How is the diagnosis of SBP made?
> 250 ascitic PMN’s per mm3
What are the common infectious agents of SBP?
Gram neg or gram positive.
E. Coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and streptococcal pneumoniae