title: Venous thromboembolism in cirrhosis: a review of the literature.
abstract: Although hemorrhage has traditionally been regarded as the most significant hemostatic complication of liver disease, there is increasing recognition that hypercoagulability is a prominent aspect of cirrhosis. Identifying markers of coagulability and monitoring anticoagulation therapy in the setting of cirrhosis is problematic. The bleeding risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis and treatment in patients with chronic liver disease is unclear and there are currently no recommendations to guide practice in this regard. In the present report, the mechanism of coagulation disturbance in chronic liver disease is reviewed with an examination of the evidence for an increased VTE risk in cirrhosis. Finally, the available evidence is assessed for prophylaxis and therapy of VTE in chronic liver disease, and the role it may play in decreasing clinical decompensation and improving survival.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Calgary, Alberta.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buresi
authors.forename: Russell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hull
authors.forename: Carla S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Coffin
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002908:Chronic Disease; D018450:Disease Progression; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D019851:Thrombophilia / Q000150:complications; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants