68-year-old woman with hepatitis C and abnormal kidney function

Travis L Figanbaum1, Suzanne M Norby

  • 1Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

Insights

This case study highlights a patient with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis experiencing ascites and hypertension. Treatment challenges arose due to worsening kidney function, necessitating further evaluation for liver transplantation.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Nephrology
  • Transplantation Medicine

Background:

  • A 68-year-old woman with a history of hepatitis C, complicated by cirrhosis and portal hypertension, presented for liver transplantation evaluation.
  • Previous treatment for symptomatic ascites with furosemide and spironolactone was limited by increased creatinine levels.

Observation:

  • During evaluation, the patient exhibited significant hypertension (average blood pressure 180/90 mm Hg).
  • Abnormal renal function and urinalysis results were noted, prompting further investigation.

Findings:

  • The patient's clinical presentation indicated complex management challenges due to the interplay of liver disease, ascites, hypertension, and renal dysfunction.
  • The need for specialized evaluation for blood pressure and renal function in the context of advanced liver disease was underscored.

Implications:

  • This case emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary assessment for patients with advanced liver disease and comorbidities undergoing evaluation for liver transplantation.
  • Careful management of blood pressure and renal function is critical for optimizing outcomes in liver transplant candidates.

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