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In this episode, we break down cirrhosis using a clinically focused, high-yield framework. We review the pathophysiology of chronic liver injury leading to fibrosis, portal hypertension, and synthetic dysfunction, along with classic history and physical exam findings. The discussion highlights key laboratory and imaging clues, severity scoring with Child-Pugh and MELD, and essential management strategies for complications such as ascites, varices, hepatic encephalopathy, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. We also emphasize prevention, surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma, and early transplant referral.
References
1) Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817.
2) Heidelbaugh JJ, Bruderly M. Cirrhosis and chronic liver failure: part I. Diagnosis and evaluation. Am Fam Physician. 2006 Sep 1;74(5):756-62. PMID: 16970019.
3) Lewis JH, Stine JG. Review article: prescribing medications in patients with cirrhosis - a practical guide. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Jun;37(12):1132-56. doi: 10.1111/apt.12324. Epub 2013 May 3. PMID: 23638982.
4) Singal AK, Mathurin P. Diagnosis and Treatment of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: A Review. JAMA. 2021 Jul 13;326(2):165-176. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.7683. PMID: 34255003.
By Kristopher Maday, PA-C, DFAAPAIn this episode, we break down cirrhosis using a clinically focused, high-yield framework. We review the pathophysiology of chronic liver injury leading to fibrosis, portal hypertension, and synthetic dysfunction, along with classic history and physical exam findings. The discussion highlights key laboratory and imaging clues, severity scoring with Child-Pugh and MELD, and essential management strategies for complications such as ascites, varices, hepatic encephalopathy, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. We also emphasize prevention, surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma, and early transplant referral.
References
1) Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817.
2) Heidelbaugh JJ, Bruderly M. Cirrhosis and chronic liver failure: part I. Diagnosis and evaluation. Am Fam Physician. 2006 Sep 1;74(5):756-62. PMID: 16970019.
3) Lewis JH, Stine JG. Review article: prescribing medications in patients with cirrhosis - a practical guide. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Jun;37(12):1132-56. doi: 10.1111/apt.12324. Epub 2013 May 3. PMID: 23638982.
4) Singal AK, Mathurin P. Diagnosis and Treatment of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: A Review. JAMA. 2021 Jul 13;326(2):165-176. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.7683. PMID: 34255003.