Liver and systemic hemodynamics in cirrhotic children.

Abstract

Portal hypertension and cirrhosis are associated with severe hemodynamic changes in hepatic and systemic circulation in the adult population. During cirrhosis progression, circulation becomes hyperdynamic, with cardiac, pulmonary and renal consequences. Cirrhotic adults also present with cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, with systolic and diastolic dysfunction and electrophysiological abnormalities. This article provides an update on normal liver hemodynamics, a brief reminder of the liver and systemic hemodynamics in cirrhotic adults, and a description of liver and systemic hemodynamics in cirrhotic children. This review attempts to clarify whether liver and systemic hemodynamics are altered in cirrhotic children like they are in adults. The characterization of these hemodynamic disturbances could contribute to a better understanding of hepatic and systemic physiopathology in pediatric cirrhosis.