The Why? Series
Why is ascites always treated with a combination of furosemide and spironolactone? Why is the AST usually higher than ALT in alcoholic hepatitis? The Why? Series aims to answer your burning questions about the "dogma" of liver disease, using a combination of basic physiology, scientific evidence, and clinical experiential knowledge.
The Why? SeriesWhy do we use antibiotics for SBP prophylaxis?
You may have noticed that we often start antibiotics for patients with cirrhosis to prevent spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Have you ever wondered why?
Melissa KaltenbachThe Why? SeriesWhy do we use Lactulose and Rifaximin for Hepatic Encephalopathy?
Lactulose and Rifaximin (Xifaxan) are standards of care for the prevention of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. Have you ever wondered why? Join…
Alyson KaplanThe Why? SeriesWhy do we use non-selective beta-blockers in cirrhosis? – Part 2
In a follow-up to an outstanding overview of NSBB therapy in liver disease, Part 2 of this series by Anahita Rabiee presents evidence in support of earlier use of NSBBs in cirrhosis. Read on!
Anahita RabieeThe Why? SeriesWhy do we use non-selective beta-blockers in cirrhosis? – Part 1
In the first post from new LFN author Anahita Rabiee, we are gifted an authoritative review on the Whys and Hows of beta-blockade in decompensated cirrhosis! You definitely want to read this one!
Anahita RabieeThe Why? SeriesWhy do we use living donors for liver transplantation?
In a very special installment of the Why Series, our adult and pediatric teams join forces to answer the question of how living donor liver transplantation came about in the United States. Read on!
Alyson KaplanThe Why? SeriesThe Coagulopathy of Liver Disease — Part 2
In part 2 of our coagulopathy series, we take a deeper dive and learn the ways in which end-stage liver disease alters the body’s normal hemostatic mechanisms.
Hersh ShroffThe Why? SeriesWhy (and how) does coagulopathy occur with liver disease? — Part 1
Patients with end-stage liver disease have elevated INRs. They bleed frequently and they clot perhaps more frequently. Do they need FFP before a paracentesis? What’s a TEG? These questions answered, and more, in our multi-part series on the coagulopathy of liver disease!
Hersh ShroffThe Why? SeriesWhy do we use the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score?: Part 2
In Part 1 of this series, we reviewed what came BEFORE the MELD score—Child-Turcotte-Pugh classification. We additionally discussed the history behind MELD, what is included in its calculation and why, and how it is used in transplant listing. Is everyone excited for Part 2?
Alyson KaplanThe Why? SeriesWhy do we use the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score?: Part 1
The Model for End-stage Liver Disease (or MELD) score is used to determine patient priority for liver transplantation. But have you ever wondered why? Let us review the history and the literature to better understand why this score is so meaningful!
Alyson KaplanThe Why? SeriesWhy do we use ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in cholestatic liver disease?
Ursodeoxycholic acid (or UDCA, Ursodiol) is a very commonly-used medication in the hepatologist’s arsenal. But have you ever wondered what it is? Why does it work? I know I have.
Let’s try and answer some of those questions for you today!
Hersh ShroffIdeas?
Do you have suggestions for topics within this series? Are you a fellow interested in contributing? Please feel free to reach out via Twitter to the fellow lead or to Liver Fellow Network directly. You can also e-mail us at liverfellownetwork@gmail.com.