Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension

Understanding the pathogenesis of portal hypertension is continuing to evolve. The risk of portal hypertension and liver disease progression obtained through HVPG can be corroborated clinically using noninvasive tools. More validated studies are required to ascertain the exact role of these tools in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with portal hypertension. NSBB, in particular carvedilol, is the treatment of choice for patients with CSPH. Endoscopic screening is mandatory to identify patients with higher risk of variceal bleed. All patients with suspected variceal hemorrhage should be treated with vaso-active drugs. EBL remains the therapeutic modality of choice in patients with acute variceal hemorrhage. Early TIPS is recommended for those with failure to control bleed. The cause of liver disease should be identified, and every attempt should be made to treat the underlying disease to stabilize or to recompensate patients with cirrhosis.