Review article: coagulation disorders in chronic liver disease.

BACKGROUND

The liver is the site for synthesis of the vast majority of proteins that play a central role in maintaining hemostasis, by participating in the regulation of coagulation and fibrinolysis.

AIM

To summarize the available data on the impact of coagulation disorders in patients with chronic liver disease.

RESULTS

Hepatocellular damage in patients with severe liver disease can lead to abnormalities in the production and function of coagulation and fibrinolytic factors, disrupting the balance between coagulation and anticoagulation systems.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemostatic abnormalities (eg. impaired synthesis of clotting factors, heightened fibrinolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, thrombocytopenia, and platelet dysfunction) can increase the risk of bleeding in cirrhotic patients.