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Updated: May 29, 2026

Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Published on: June 18, 2020
[Antibiotics can ameliorate circulatory complications of liver cirrhosis]
Bjørn Stæhr Madsen1, Ove B Schaffalitzky de Muckadell
1Medicinsk Gastroenterologisk Afdeling S, Odense Universitetshospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, 5000 Odense, Denmark. ozomalo@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Livercirrhosis can be complicated by a hyperdynamic circulatory syndrome. This is due to translocation of bacteria and bacterial product (bacterial DNA and endotoxins), which stimulate the splanchnic nitric oxide synthase and leads to splanchnic vasodilatation and haemodynamic derangement. This review focuses on how broad spectrum antibiotics can ameliorate the haemodynamic consequences of bacterial translocation. It is possible that the use of broad spectrum antibiotics in the future may be used to prevent other complications of liver cirrhosis than spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and infections after gastrointestinal bleeding.
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