Management of Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis has distortion of the hepatic architecture and the formation of regenerative nodules due to progressive hepatic fibrosis. Treatment of underlying etiology can slow or reverse the progression of liver fibrosis. Early stage is characterized by asymptomatic phase, termed ‘compensated cirrhosis ’ follwed by the development of complications of portal hypertension and/or liver dysfunction, termed ‘decompensated cirrhosis’. The quality of life and survival of patients with cirrhosis can be improved by prevention and treatment of these complications. This review discuss the complication and its management in patients with liver cirrhosis. (Korean J Med 2012;82:159-163