Acute-on-chronic liver failure is independently associated with higher mortality for cirrhotic patients with acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage: Retrospective cohort study.

Background: Acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage (AEVH) is a common complication of cirrhosis and might precipitate multi-organ failure, causing acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).

Aim: To analyze if the presence and grading of ACLF as defined by European Society for the Study of the Liver-Chronic Liver Failure (EASL-CLIF) is able to predict mortality in cirrhotic patients presenting AEVH.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study executed in Hospital Geral de Caxias do Sul.

Evidence-based protocol for diagnosis and treatment of hepatorenal syndrome is independently associated with lower mortality.

Background: Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is the deadliest complication of cirrhosis. The purpose of this study is to analyze if the use of a protocol for HRS is associated with higher survival in these patients.

Methods: An evidence-based protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of HRS was instituted in 2013.