Abstract

MILITAO, Isabel; CARROLA, Paulo  and  PRESA, José. Sepsis and multiorgan dysfunction in liver cirrhosis. J Port Gastrenterol. [online]. 2013, vol.20, n.3, pp.103-111. ISSN 0872-8178.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpg.2012.12.005.

Cirrhotic patients have an increased susceptibility to infections, which worsen their prognosis, frequently progressing to sepsis and multiorgan failure. The diagnosis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and sepsis is difficult in these patients because of the clinical and analytical changes typical of advanced cirrhosis. The exaggerated proinflammatory response observed in these patients exacerbates the systemic dysfunction and worsens their prognosis. The therapeutic approach in cirrhotic patients with sepsis should include early empirical antibiotic therapy, intensive clinical and hemodynamic monitoring and support of vital organ functions. A careful assessment of prognosis is essential in establishing the probability of individual survival and management of resources. Multiple prognosis scores are used in critically ill patients, including patients with cirrhosis and multiorgan dysfunction, and it seems that the general prognosis scores are more effective in this group of patients.

Keywords : Sepsis; Multiorgan dysfunction; Liver cirrhosis.

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