HemostasisCME.org

Back to Previous Page

The Coagulopathy of Liver Disease: Balance and Imbalance (A Hepatologist's Perspective)

Release Date: July 30, 2006

Expiration Date: July 30, 2007

Estimated time to complete this Activity: 1 hour 15 minutes

---

Overview

The parenchymal cells of the liver synthesize many coagulation factors and natural inhibitors of coagulation, as well as components of the fibrinolytic system. In addition, the liver mediates regulation of hemostasis and fibrinolysis by clearing these coagulation factors from the circulation. Disturbances in the function of the liver parenchymal cells results in liver disease, which can vary in severity. Thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction, and systematic activation of the fibrinolytic system may complicate management of liver disease. Because the liver is highly vascularized, liver dysfunction can affect abdominal blood flow and predispose patients to bleeding problems. Management of bleeding in these patients during surgical procedures can be challenging. This slide presentation will review the role of the liver in coagulation and fibrinolysis and the etiologies of specific bleeding disorders in liver disease. The clinical and predictive significance of coagulopathy in fulminant hepatic failure and cirrhosis, and the therapeutic options available for control of coagulopathic conditions, including hypercoagulation, will be discussed.

Target Audience

The Coagulopathy of Liver Disease: Balance and Imbalance—A Hepatologist's Perspective is intended for transfusion specialists, hematologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients with liver diseases.

Learning Objectives

After completing this continuing medical education (CME) activity, participants should be able to:

• Describe the role of the liver in hemostasis
• Identify specific bleeding disorders related to liver disease
• Evaluate the challenges of management of coagulopathy in liver disease
• Describe the etiology and treatment of hypercoagulation in liver disease

Accreditation Statement

This activity has expired.

Designation Statement

This activity has expired.

How to Get Credit

This activity has expired.

Faculty Disclosure

It is the policy of the FCG Institute for Continuing Education that all faculty participating in continuing medical education activities are expected to disclose to the program audience (1) any real or apparent conflict(s) of interest related to the content of their presentation and (2) discussion of unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or medical devices. Faculty disclosure statements can be found with their biographical sketches.

Conflict of Interest Resolution

When individuals in a position to control or influence the development of the content have reported Financial Relationships with one or more commercial interests, The FCG Institute for Continuing Education utilizes a process to identify and resolve potential conflicts to ensure that the content presented is free of commercial bias. The content of this presentation was vetted through The Institute’s process of peer review and content validation and modified as required to meet this standard.

Notice About Investigational or Off-Label Use

This educational activity may include discussion of drugs or devices or uses of drugs and devices, that have not been approved by the FDA or have been approved by the FDA for specific uses only. It is the responsibility of the physician to determine the FDA clearance status of each drug or device he or she wishes to use in clinical practice. The FCG Institute for Continuing Education is committed to the free exchange of medical education. Inclusion of any product or device discussion, including discussion of investigational or off-label uses, does not imply endorsement by The Institute of the uses, products, or techniques presented.

Disclaimer

This CME/CE activity is designed for use by healthcare professionals for educational purposes only. The information and opinions expressed by the faculty are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The FCG Institute. The FCG Institute for Continuing Education does not define a standard of care, nor does it intend to dictate an exclusive course of management but presents through the educational activities it sponsors recognized methods and techniques of clinical practice for consideration by physicians and other healthcare providers for incorporation into their practices. Participants should use their own clinical judgment before applying information, whether provided here or by others, for any professional use.

Back to Top

Sponsored by: The FCG Institute for Continuing Education

The FCG Institute for Continuing Education
gratefully acknowledges an educational grant from
Novo Nordisk Inc. in support of this Web Site