[Management of compensated liver cirrhosis 2018 - Evidence based prophylactic measures]

In 2015, more than 13 000 people died due to the consequences of liver cirrhosis in Germany. Frequently, relevant liver fibrosis is diagnosed by non-invasive methods (e. g., ultrasound-based measurement of liver stiffness) already in the compensated stage. Following diagnosis of liver fibrosis, a thorough investigation of the underlying chronic liver disease and effective treatment are important to prevent progression to decompensated cirrhosis. Since morbidity and mortality dramatically increase in the decompensated stage (patients may present with jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding) with an upsurge in 1-year-mortality from 1 - 3.4 % to 20 - 57 %, prophylactic measures to prevent decompensation are indicated. Based on a risk stratification, these measures include propranolol or carvedilol as non-selective betablockers, as well as endoscopic band ligations as primary prophylaxis to prevent variceal bleeding. Because of the high risk for malignant transformation (2 - 8 % per year depending on the underlying etiology), surveillance by liver ultrasound every six months is essential to detect liver cancer in an early stage and to facilitate curative therapy. Currently under debate is the administration of antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections, which commonly trigger acute decompensation. To this regard, studies are not convincing and the risk to induce drug resistance has to be observed. However, health care providers should check the vaccination status and recommend missing vaccinations. The management of compensated liver cirrhosis also includes counseling and potentially also a drug therapy to prevent osteoporosis and muscle wasting. In this review, we will discuss specific prophylactic measures in the management of compensated liver cirrhosis based on the pathophysiological background and central clinical studies. If a patient decompensates despite these prophylactic measures (approximately 15 % of patients with liver cirrhosis per year), liver transplantation has to be discussed as definitive therapy (especially in patients with MELD > 15).