[Prognostic significance of the hepatopulmonary syndrome in liver cirrhosis].
OBJECTIVE
The prognosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) has been only rarely investigated.


METHODS
We investigated the survival of 32 cirrhotic patients, 14 (44%) with HPS and 18 with a normal gaseous exchange (NGE), and the associated factors.


RESULTS
During a mean (standard deviation) of 56 (27) months, 9 patients in the HPS group (relative risk: 0.64) and 4 patients in the NGE group (relative risk: 0.22) died. The odds ratio was 6.42 (p < 0.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.80). Patients in the HPS group died after 44 (31) months, while patients in the NGE group died 65 (21) months after inclusion (p < 0.05). Overall, 46% of deaths were liver related. Factors associated with death were the right to left shunting and the increased plasmatic renin levels. Of note, the plasmatic volume and diffusing capacity were protective.


CONCLUSIONS
The coexistence of HPS worsens the prognosis in liver cirrhosis.
Alonso Martínez
José Luis
JL
Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital de Navarra, Pamplona, 31180 Cizur Mayor, Navarre, Spain. jalonsom@cfnavarra.es
Zozaya Urmeneta
José Manuel
JM
Gutiérrez Dubois
Jorge
J
Abinzano Guillén
María Luisa
ML
Urbieta Echezarreta
Miren Aránzazu
MA
Anniccherico Sánchez
Francisco Javier
FJ
D005260:Female; D020065:Hepatopulmonary Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis