Infections in Hospitalized Cirrhotic Patients

Infections and Other Complications of Cirrhosis: A Prospective Multi-Center Study

Hospitalized cirrhotic patients are at high risk of complications and adverse outcomes. This study aims to determine the current practice and outcomes in these following areas:

1. Community-acquired infections
2. Nosocomial infections
3. Development of second infections
4. Factors predicting ICU care, organ failure, death, and disability
5. Patterns and adequacy of albumin use in infected and non-infected patients
6. Per and post-liver transplant outcomes
7. Quality-assurance and adequacy of management of complications of cirrhosis such as hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, hyponatremia, and hypernatremia
8. Regional variations in outcomes and therapeutic strategies

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and Female over 18 years of age
• Cirrhosis as diagnosed by either liver histology or a combination of clinical biochemical (low platelets, elevated bilirubin, and/or INR, low albumin) radiologic (nodular liver on ultrasound) and endoscopic (esophageal varices) criteria
• Subject must be able to understand and provide informed consent
• Evaluated in the ER or admitted to the hospital for non-elective reasons

Exclusion Criteria:

• admitted for elective purpose