Abstract
Recent studies have greatly expanded our understanding of the coagulopathy of cirrhosis.
It is clear that cirrhosis patients are at a risk of both bleeding and thrombosis.
While prediction of these events remains challenging, cirrhosis patients are not protected
from the development of venous and arterial thrombosis. In fact, studies show that
hypercoagulability may promote hepatic decompensation and development of fibrosis.
Anticoagulation for thrombosis is now becoming a common prospect in many clinical
situations. Our understanding of the efficacy and safety of commonly used therapeutics
is only beginning to emerge and the risks and benefits remain unclear in this unique
population. In this review, we discuss the role of anticoagulation in the treatment
and prevention peripheral and splanchnic thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis, as
well as examine the potential role of anticoagulants in altering the progression of
chronic liver disease.
Keywords
liver disease - deep venous thrombosis - thrombosis - warfarin - heparin
