Infections in Cirrhosis in the Critical Care Unit

Cirrhosis is characterized by fibrosis of the hepatic parenchyma with regenerative nodules surrounded by scar tissue. It can result from a variety of chronic, progressive liver diseases. The clinical manifestations vary widely from asymptomatic disease (up to 40% of patients) to fulminant liver failure. Cirrhosis is a major cause of morbidity worldwide. In the United States, cirrhosis has an estimated prevalence of 360 per 100,000 population and accounts for approximately 30,000 deaths annually. The majority of cases in the United States are due to alcoholic liver disease or chronic infection with hepatitis B or C viruses.