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Sepsis in cirrhosis: emerging concepts in pathogenesis, diagnosis and management

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Abstract

Infections and sepsis are more common in cirrhotic than in the general population and constitute the commonest cause of sudden worsening and death. The diagnosis of systemic inflammatory syndrome and sepsis are challenging in cirrhotics due to an underlying a state of hyperdynamic circulation. Further, poor nutritional and bone marrow reserves lead to modest host immune response, the so called immunoparalysis state and the outcome of antibiotic therapy is suboptimal. In this review, a comprehensive description of current and emerging concepts in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of sepsis with importance to current and novel biomarkers for diagnosis of sepsis in cirrhosis is presented. Furthermore, novel treatment options and preventive strategies are discussed to improve the overall survival.

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  1. Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi, 110070, India

    Cyriac Abby Philips & Shiv Kumar Sarin

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  1. Cyriac Abby Philips
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  2. Shiv Kumar Sarin
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Correspondence to Shiv Kumar Sarin.

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Philips, C.A., Sarin, S.K. Sepsis in cirrhosis: emerging concepts in pathogenesis, diagnosis and management. Hepatol Int 10, 871–882 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12072-016-9753-2

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