Sodium load and intravenous antimicrobials in patients with cirrhosis

Strong evidence indicates that reduction of salt intake lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality [1]. This issue has also been deeply investigated in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In fact, the guidelines of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) recommend a salt intake of 4.6-6.9 g/daily, corresponding to 1.84-2.76 g of sodium/daily, for patients with cirrhosis and ascites.[2] In the advanced stage of cirrhosis, splanchnic vasodilation causes a marked arterial underfilling that induces the maximum activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, the sympathetic nervous system, and the arginine vasopressin release.
Source: Digestive and Liver Disease - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Correspondence Source Type: research