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Acute Complications of Cirrhosis Masterclass by Sarah Kessler, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP

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  • April
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Pathophysiology


Evaluation

  • Paracentesis
  • Serum albumin ascites gradient (SAAG)
    • SAAG = Albuminserum – Albuminascitic fluid
    • SAAG ≥ 1.1g/dL implies portal hypertension is present

Ascites Treatment

1ST LINE
Alcohol Cessation Treat underlying cause
Sodium Restriction 2000 mg per day
Diuretics Spironolactone & Furosemide:

•Ratio of 100:40

•Max Dose: 400 mg spironolactone, 160 mg furosemide

2ND LINE
Paracentesis Albumin:

•≤ 5 L – None

•> 5 L – 6 to 8 g per liter removed

BP Medication Adjustments Discontinuation of ACE-I, ARB, BB

•MAP > 82 mmHg

Midodrine Add to diuretics in hypotensive patients:

•Dosing: 7.5 mg TID

Refractory
Serial Therapeutic Paracentesis, TIPS, Peritoneovenous Shunts, Transplant

Agent Dose MOA Onset of Effect Dose Limiting Effects
Spironolactone Initial: 12.5-100 mg

Max: 400 mg

– Aldosterone antagonist

– Decreases aldosterone effect in distal tubules

3-5 days -Gynecomastia

-Hyperkalemia

Furosemide Initial: 40 mg

Max: 160 mg

-Loop diuretic

-Blocks reabsorption of Na+ in Loop of Henle, ↑ Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ excretion

3-5 days -Hypotension

-Intravascular dehydration