title: The evaluation of liver dysfunction: when to suspect portal hypertension.
abstract: Portal hypertension, as a result of cirrhosis or other cause of liver dysfunction, is a life-threatening disease process. The risk of bleeding varices is high. Treatment options have much better outcomes when administered early on. The role of the PA in treating portal hypertension centers on recognizing the complications and understanding the medical management of those problems. Familiarity with the available treatment options can facilitate initiation of the most appropriate therapy for each patient. The best plan of action is to stabilize the patient and refer him or her to a tertiary center with clinicians who have experience in managing this uncommon problem.
authors.affiliation: University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, South Tampa Center, USA.
authors.forename: Amy Singletary
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Moan
mesh_terms: D001201:Ascites / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006530:Hepatorenal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D008102:Liver Circulation; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011167:Portacaval Shunt, Surgical; D011170:Portasystemic Shunt, Surgical; D013164:Splenorenal Shunt, Surgical