Question

How to manage a patient with cirrhosis, portal HTN, and acute onset hepatic hydrothorax?

Answer 1

Managing a patient with cirrhosis, portal HTN, and acute onset hepatic hydrothorax involves medications, procedures, and even liver transplant as treatment options

Step-by-step explanation:

Managing a patient with cirrhosis, portal HTN, and acute onset hepatic hydrothorax requires a comprehensive approach to address the underlying liver disease, portal hypertension, and fluid accumulation in the chest. Treatment options may include:

1. Diuretics: Medications like spironolactone or furosemide may be prescribed to help reduce fluid retention in the body and control ascites, which is fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
2. Therapeutic paracentesis: This procedure involves removing excess fluid from the abdomen using a needle under sterile conditions. It can provide immediate relief from symptoms of ascites.
3. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS): In certain cases, a TIPS procedure may be performed to relieve portal hypertension by creating a passage between the portal vein and hepatic vein.
4. Liver transplant: In advanced stages of cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be considered as a treatment option.