PORTAL HYPERTENSION
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Does portal hypertension have a genetic or hereditary link?

“Portal hypertension” refers to the rise in the blood pressure within a system of vein cells. This system of cells is called the “portal venous system”.

In this condition, a collection of cells from the stomach, intestine, pancreas, and spleen fuse into the portal vein, which then branches into smaller vessels and runs into the liver. The liver becomes blocked, which subsequently results in improper blood flow. This can lead to high pressure in the portal system, causing the development of large swollen veins. The enlarged veins called “varices” can rupture and bleed resulting in severe health complications. 

Causes of Portal Hypertension

The most common cause of portal hypertension is cirrhosis of the liver, which is the scarring that accompanies the healing of the liver from an injury.

Other causes may include:

  • Blood clots
  • Blockages in the veins conveying blood from the liver to the heart.
  • Schistosomiasis; a parasitic infection.
  • Focal nodular hyperplasia.

Sometimes, the cause is unknown and this is referred to as Non-cirrhotic or Idiopathic Portal Hypertension, a term for portal hypertension that has no known cause.

Symptoms of Portal Hypertension

The symptoms of this sickness include:

  1. Gastrointestinal bleeding due to rupture and hemorrhage of varices, indicated by:
  • Bloody stools.
  • Vomiting of blood.
  1. Ascites, which is abdominal swelling caused by the accumulation of fluids
  2. Infections may begin to arise because the level of white blood cells becomes reduced.
  3. Reduced blood clotting due to the reduced level of red blood cells.
  4. Encephalopathy; altered brain function which may lead to confusion and forgetfulness.

Possible Complications

Portal hypertension can lead to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Liver damage
  • Heart failure
  • Brain damage
  • Death

Prevention of Portal Hypertension

Maintain good nutritional habits and keep a healthy lifestyle.

  1. Reduce your intake of alcohol.
  2. Avoid smoking and use of street drugs.
  3. Avoid self-medication; consult with your doctor first before embarking on any medication. Wrong medications can make liver diseases worse.
  4. Dietary guidelines given by your health provider such as having a low-sodium diet, reducing your protein intake, should be strictly adhered to.
  5. Have your dietitian create a meal plan for you.

Diagnosis of Portal Hypertension

Your doctor will go through your medical history and carry out a physical examination on your abdomen and anus to check the presence of ascites, dilated veins, or varices. 

Other tests include imagery tests such as X-rays like angiograms and ultrasounds and endoscopic tests. These tests can determine the extent and severity of your condition.

Treatment of Portal Hypertension

The treatment for this condition depends on the severity of the symptoms and how well your liver is functioning. Handling the causes of portal hypertension can also be a way of treating the condition.

Treatment and control may include:

  1. Medications

Non-selective beta-blockers such as nadolol or propranolol can be used to stop variceal bleeding. They can be used alone as a form of first-aid or combined with endoscopic therapy. Also, drugs like lactulose can be used to treat encephalopathy cases like confusion and other mental changes.

  1. Esophageal Variceal Binding

This is a procedure that is used as a first aid to prevent a first variceal hemorrhage, especially in patients who can not take beta-blockers.

  1. Endoscopic Treatment

This is a first-line treatment for variceal bleeding, which consists of banding or sclerotherapy. Banding is the use of surgical rubber bands to block off blood vessels and stop them from bleeding. Sclerotherapy is the procedure where blood clotting solution is injected into the bleeding varices to stop them from bleeding.

  1. Surgery

Often used when drug and endoscopic therapy fails. Surgical procedures to successfully control and reduce the pressure in the veins may be required. 

These decompression methods may include:

  1. Shunting, which is the diversion of blood flow in the body. It includes:
  2. Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS), which involves rerouting blood flow in the liver by connecting the hepatic veins with the portal veins using a stent–a tubular device.
  3. Distal Splenorenal Shunt (DSRS), a procedure which links the veins from your spleen to those of your left kidney, thereby reducing the pressure in the varices and controlling bleeding.
  4. Devascularization; a surgical procedure that removes the bleeding varices and is often done when a TIPS or DSRS is not successful.
  1. Paracentesis, which is the removal of accumulated fluid in the abdomen.

Recovery

The rate of recovery depends on the severity of the complications and the individual. However, you need to attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled especially after a surgical procedure to ensure that the parts implanted like the stunts or liver are functioning properly. Also, keep to the dietary recommendations of your health provider.

FAQs

Which doctor should I consult for portal hypertension?

A Gastroenterologist or Hepatologist should be consulted. 

In the case of a surgical procedure such as a surgical stunt or a transplant, you can consult an Interventional Radiologist or a Surgeon.

Does portal hypertension always require surgery or transplant?

No, it does not. Portal hypertension can be managed or cured non-surgically, but this depends on how severe the symptoms are and the cause of the condition.

Will I need an endoscopy?

In most cases, yes. Severe bleeding from various may cause severe complications so it has to be checked and controlled.

Does portal hypertension have a genetic or hereditary link?

No, it does not. Portal hypertension is the result of structural changes within the liver that results in the increased resistance to blood flow and increased pressure within the vessels.

Can portal hypertension have no cause?

Yes, it can, but this is a very rare case. Portal hypertension with no known cause is called Idiopathic Portal Hypertension.

Is Hepatorenal syndrome?

This is a complication in patients with liver disease or cirrhosis and ascites and can be an advanced complication in portal hypertensive patients. It is the failure of the kidney due to reduced blood supply in the vessels supplying them.

What is Budd-Chain syndrome?

This is a disorder in which blood clots develop in hepatic veins, causing an increment of pressure in the portal circulation. This can result in portal hypertension.

The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not intended to replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health. Read more