Title: Reminders for the Management of Critically Ill Cirrhotic Patients<br/>Author: Kami Hu<br/><a href='http://umem.org/profiles/faculty/742/'>[Click to email author]</a><hr/><p> </p> <p> A few (out of 10) tips for the care of sick patients with liver failure:</p> <ul> <li> Use of albumin is indicated to improve outcomes in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), large-volume paracentesis, and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS).</li> </ul> <ul> <li> Norepinephrine remains the vasopressor of choice for nonhemorrhagic shock. Use vasopressin or terlipressin (outside the U.S.) in AKI due to HRS to maintain a target MAP and for splanchnic vasoconstriction.</li> </ul> <ul> <li> INR does not correctly reflect coagulation performance. Platelet count and fibrinogen are the best predictors of bleeding, and thromboelastography (via TEG/ROTEM) can reduce blood products administered for hemorrhage without affecting mortality.</li> </ul> <ul> <li> If a nasogastric tube is indicated (administration of lactulose, decompression of SBO, etcetera), presence of [non-recently banded] esophageal varices is not a contraindication.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <fieldset><legend>References</legend>
<p> Fuhrmann V, Whitehouse T, Wendon J. The ten tips to manage critically ill patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure. <em>Intensive Care Med.</em> 2018;44(11):1932-5.</p> </fieldset>