Abstract

MARTINEZ DOMINGUEZ, Maritza; REYES OLIVA, Roberto; GUERRERO JIMENEZ, Gustavo  and  ARREDONDO BRUCE, Alfredo. Novel aspects of portal hypertension. AMC [online]. 2010, vol.14, n.3, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1025-0255.

Background: portal hypertension is the most common complication of cirrhosis that explains an important morbidity and mortality, mainly due to hemorrhage for esophageal varices, ascites and its superadded bacterial infections, the hepato-ammoniacal encephalopathy, and the hepatorenal syndrome. Advances in diagnosis and their management are examined next in view of current perspectives. Development: the pressure gradient mensuration of the hepatic vein, contributes an important prognostic information in these patients. The non invasive test with elastography, endoscopic capsule, and computed tomography for esophageal varices diagnosis are promising but more information is needed. Clinical data in patients with bleeding for esophageal varices provide important information for initial therapy and prognosis. New therapies for patients with dilutional hyponatremia with vasopressin antagonists are promising and may improve this affection management. Conclusions: the terlipressin is currently the best available medical therapy for the hepatorenal syndrome management as has been confirmed recently. Patients with advanced liver disease are benefiting with norfloxacin administration for long periods to prevent hepatorenal syndrome development and to improve survival. Advances in diagnosis and patients’ management with cirrhosis and portal hypertension improved morbidity and mortality of their complications.

Keywords : HYPERTENSION PORTAL [Diagnosis]; ESOPHAGEAL AND GASTRIC VARICES; HEPATIC VEINS; LIVER DISEASES.