Prognosis

Prognosis depends on the aetiology of the portal hypertension which led to the development of varices, as well as the patient’s liver function. Decompensated cirrhosis is characterised by complications such as ascites, variceal bleeding, encephalopathy, and/or jaundice.[36][37]

Nearly 30% of patients with oesophageal varices bleed within the first year after diagnosis.[82] Patients admitted with oesophageal variceal bleeding have a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality compared with those admitted with non-bleeding varices.[82]

Acute variceal haemorrhage requires timely and effective management to reduce short-term mortality, which is often due to associated complications such as aspiration, infection, or acute kidney injury.[37] Even with therapeutic advancements, 6-week mortality remains between 10% and 15%.[6]​ The factors most consistently associated with increased 6-week mortality are Child-Pugh class C, a higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and failure to achieve primary haemostasis.[29]

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