Background
Cirrhosis is increasingly common and morbid. Optimal utilisation of therapeutic strategies to prevent and control the complications of cirrhosis are central to improving clinical and patientâreported outcomes.
Methods
We conducted a narrative review of the literature focusing on the most recent advances.
Results
We review the aetiologyâfocused therapies that can prevent cirrhosis and its complications. These include antiâviral therapies, psychopharmacological therapy for alcoholâuse disorder, and the current landscape of clinical trials for nonâalcoholic steatohepatitis. We review the current standard of care and latest developments in the management of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), ascites and hepatorenal syndrome. We evaluate the promise and drawbacks of chemopreventative therapies that have been examined in trials and observational studies which may reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis complications. Finally, we examine the therapies which address the nonâpain symptoms of cirrhosis including pruritis, muscle cramps, sexual dysfunction and fatigue.
Conclusion
The improvement of clinical and patientâreported outcomes for patients with cirrhosis is possible by applying evidenceâbased pharmacotherapeutic approaches to the prevention and treatment of cirrhosis complications.