The association between clinical symptoms, laboratory findings and serum endothelin 1 concentrations, in cirrhotic patients with and without hepatopulmonary syndrome.

Aim: This study evaluated the association between serum endothelin- 1 level and symptoms, clinical examination, laboratory and cardio-respiratory parameters, in patients with cirrhosis compared to controls.

Background: Cirrhosis is associated with significant portal, pulmonary and systemic vascular abnormities. Recent studies have suggested that endothelin -1 may have a significant role in the regulation of vascular tone.