Portal Hypertension and Ascites Management

In this episode, hepatologist Dr. Parvez Mantry joins our host Dr. Christopher Beck to discuss portal hypertension and ascites, two complications that arise from liver diseases and have a large effect on patients’ quality of life.

Dr. Mantry starts the episode by sharing statistics on Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) and specifically highlights the burden of CLD on the U.S. population. He discusses various causes of CLD, including Hepatitis C, Alcohol Liver Disease, and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis.

Next, Dr. Mantry takes us through his diagnostic workup, including his physical examination, cross-sectional imaging, percutaneous and transjugular liver biopsies, and serological workup. He checks for complications such as portal hypertension, ascites, pedal edema, and hepatic encephalopathy. We also discuss the diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).

Then, we transition to strategies for managing ascites and portal hypertension through diuretics, paracentesis, Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts (TIPS), liver
transplantation, and a few experimental treatments that he is currently researching. Overall, Dr. Mantry advocates for close monitoring of symptoms and making treatment modifications as needed.

Finally, when focusing on the patient experience, Dr. Mantry offers troubleshooting tips, especially for patients who struggle with leakage from the paracentesis site. To close, he gives insights on how physicians can best support chronically-ill patients who are awaiting transplantation.