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Published on: August 1, 2018
Study of Cardiovascular Dysfunction in Cirrhosis and Its Correlation With Severity at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Bijaya K Behera1, Romanchit Upadhyaya2, Manasi Das3
1Medicine, Srirama Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, IND.
Insights
Cardiovascular dysfunction, especially diastolic dysfunction, is common in liver cirrhosis patients and worsens with disease severity. Early cardiac assessment is recommended for better management of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hepatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Cirrhosis leads to systemic circulatory and cardiovascular changes, termed cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
- These changes can be silent but worsen with advanced liver disease.
- Cardiovascular dysfunction is a significant complication in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cardiovascular dysfunction in liver cirrhosis patients.
- To determine the relationship between cardiovascular dysfunction and liver disease severity.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 103 liver cirrhosis patients was conducted.
- Evaluations included echocardiography, laboratory tests, electrocardiography (ECG), and clinical examinations.
- Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classification assessed cirrhosis severity; left ventricular ejection fraction measured cardiac function.
Main Results:
- Diastolic dysfunction was the most common cardiac abnormality, increasing with CTP class (p < 0.05).
- Systolic dysfunction was less frequent, with most patients showing preserved ejection fraction.
- ECG abnormalities like QT prolongation were noted; alcohol's contribution to cardiac issues was considered.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular dysfunction, particularly diastolic dysfunction, is prevalent in cirrhosis and correlates with disease severity.
- Alcohol-related cirrhosis may influence cardiac findings.
- Routine cardiovascular assessment is crucial for early detection and improved management of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
Background:
Cirrhosis of the liver is accompanied by systemic circulatory changes that can give rise to cardiovascular changes collectively termed cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. While these changes can be clinically silent, they can aggravate conditions, especially in the later stages of liver disease. The current study aims to examine cardiovascular dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis and its relationship with disease severity.
Methods:
Between April 2023 and June 2024, a study was carried out at Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, involving 103 participants. Each patient underwent a series of evaluations, including echocardiography, laboratory tests, electrocardiography (ECG), and clinical examinations. Additionally, the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classification was utilized to assess the severity of cirrhosis. To evaluate cardiac dysfunction, cardiology blood tests, ECG, and echocardiography were performed to measure the left ventricular ejection fraction.
Results:
The mean age of the study population was 44.22 ± 10.97 years (n = 103), with 66 male (64%) and 37 female (36%) participants. Alcohol-related liver disease was the most common etiology (72 patients, 69.9%). Diastolic dysfunction was the most frequent cardiac abnormality and increased significantly with worsening CTP class (p < 0.05). Systolic dysfunction was less common, with most patients demonstrating preserved ejection fraction. ECG abnormalities, including QT interval prolongation, were observed in a subset of patients. Given the predominance of alcohol-related cirrhosis, the potential independent contribution of alcohol to cardiac abnormalities should also be considered.
Conclusion:
Cardiovascular dysfunction, particularly diastolic dysfunction, is common in cirrhotic patients and correlates with the severity of liver disease. However, the high proportion of alcohol-related cirrhosis in the study population may have influenced the observed cardiac findings. Routine cardiovascular assessment may facilitate early detection and improved clinical management.
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