[Respiratory functional impairment in patients with liver cirrhosis].

Liver pathologies have negative influence on numerous organs including pulmonary system. Liver failure, which often results from cirrhosis, may lead to the hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension. The hepatopulmonary syndrome is characterized by increased alveolar-capillary oxygen gradient, presence of intrapulmonary leak and diminished retention of the carbon dioxide from arterial blood. Two types of the hepatopulmonary syndrome are distinguished: the type 1 connected with pre-capillary and capillaries extension, what shortens the time of the blood flow by the pulmonary vessels. The type 2 hepatopulmonary syndrome results from the formation of arteriovenous anastomoses and anatomical "shunt" connections. Most patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome demonstrate both types. Patients with liver failure may develop portopulmonary hypertension, independently from hepatopulmonary syndrome. If not treated, hypertension might lead to the death of 50 to 90% patients in the 5-year follow up. The patients with the serious damage of the liver have hiperdynamic circulation with the increased heart capacity and lowered systemic vascular resistance. The hepatopulmonary syndrome is characterized by the growth of the pulmonary artery pressure and the presence of portal hypertension. The mechanism how the portal hypertension leads to the pulmonary hypertension is not clear.