Diastolic dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis: A short-term, observational study at a Malaysian hospital

K A Abdul Aziz1, N Draman2, W Y H Wan Isa3

  • 1Hospital Teluk Intan, Department of Medicine, Jalan Changkat Jong, Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia.

Insights

Diastolic dysfunction is common in liver cirrhosis patients, even with early disease stages. Higher age and sodium levels are linked to this condition, highlighting the need for sodium restriction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hepatology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is a known complication of liver cirrhosis.
  • It is associated with poor patient outcomes.
  • Diastolic dysfunction is an early indicator of left ventricular dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in liver cirrhosis patients.
  • To identify factors associated with diastolic dysfunction in this population.

Main Methods:

  • The study involved patients with liver cirrhosis attending an outpatient clinic.
  • Echocardiography was likely used for diastolic function assessment (implied).
  • Multiple regression analysis was employed to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of diastolic dysfunction was observed in liver cirrhosis patients.
  • The majority of affected patients were Child-Pugh A/low MELD score, indicating early disease stages.
  • Age and serum sodium levels were significantly associated with diastolic dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • Diastolic dysfunction is prevalent in liver cirrhosis, including early stages.
  • Age and sodium levels are key factors associated with diastolic dysfunction.
  • Dietary sodium restriction is crucial for managing liver cirrhosis patients to mitigate cardiac complications.

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cirrhosis I: Introduction01:23

Cirrhosis I: Introduction

Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology01:24

Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology

Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
Portal Hypertension01:22

Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...