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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.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|May 12, 2007
Summary
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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