By contrast, in patients experiencing a decompensation, commonly defined by ascites, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), variceal haemorrhage and jaundice, survival is far shorter at two years or less[3-5]. HE is defined as a reversible neuropsychiatric complication of liver cirrhosis.

What is the life expectancy of a person with hepatic encephalopathy?

By contrast, in patients experiencing a decompensation, commonly defined by ascites, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), variceal haemorrhage and jaundice, survival is far shorter at two years or less[3-5]. HE is defined as a reversible neuropsychiatric complication of liver cirrhosis.

How long can you live with decompensated cirrhosis?

People diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis have an average life expectancy between 1 and 3 years. However, this depends on age, overall health, and potential complications, such as the severity of symptoms and other diseases.

Is ascites the end stage of cirrhosis?

BOTTOM LINE. Ascites is the main complication of cirrhosis. It is a landmark of the progression into the decompensated phase of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor prognosis and quality of life; mortality is estimated to be 50% in 2 years.

What can be expected in end stage liver disease?

The person may be unable to tell night from day. He or she may also display irritability and personality changes, or have memory problems. As brain function continues to decline, he or she will become sleepy and increasingly confused. This state can progress to unresponsiveness and coma.

What are the last stages of liver failure before death?

When liver damage progresses to an advanced stage, fluid collects in the legs, called edema, and in the abdomen, called ascites. Ascites can lead to bacterial peritonitis, a serious infection. When the liver slows or stops producing the proteins needed for blood clotting, a person will bruise or bleed easily.

What is the life expectancy of someone with ascites?

Ascites is often the earliest complication of ESLD; when present it indicates 50% 2-year mortality. Median survival is 6 months when ascites becomes refractory. Encephalopathy that is severe or refractory has a 12-month average survival.

Does ascites mean end of life?

Malignant ascites, the subject of this review, is a manifestation of end-stage events in a variety of cancers and is associated with significant morbidity.

Is ascites end-stage liver failure?

Patients with abnormal liver function who develop ascites, variceal hemorrhage, hepatic encephalopathy, or renal impairment are considered to have end-stage liver disease (ESLD).