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Palliative Care in Cirrhosis: Beyond Misconceptions

  • Liver (J Bajaj, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

Integrating palliative care in the management of patients with advanced liver disease is a growing area of interest in hepatology. This review will provide practical updates based on recent literature, rectify common misunderstandings, and help clinicians learn facts they can apply in their routine practice to offer their patients the benefits of palliative care.

Recent findings

Compelling data proves the need and benefits of using palliative care for patients with cirrhosis and/or liver cancer, including those waiting for liver transplantation. This additional layer of supportive care for patients and their caregivers has a positive impact on symptoms, quality of life, and clarification of goals of care.

Summary

Despite evidence showing the importance of palliative care in the management of advanced liver disease, several misconceptions remain. Ongoing and future research will hopefully answer questions on best delivery modes and benefits of palliative care for different patient populations, while also exploring the impact for caregivers and medical providers.

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References and Recommended Readings

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Digestive Diseases, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA

    Sofia Simona Jakab MD & Tamar Hamosh Taddei MD

  2. Department of Digestive Disease and Transplantation, Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Manisha Verma MD, MPH & Victor Navarro MD

Authors
  1. Sofia Simona Jakab MD
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  2. Manisha Verma MD, MPH
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  3. Victor Navarro MD
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  4. Tamar Hamosh Taddei MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sofia Simona Jakab MD.

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Conflict of interest

Jakab SS declares that she has no conflict of interest. Verma M declares that she has no conflict of interest. Navarro V declares that he has no conflict of interest. Taddei TH declares that she has no conflict of interest.

The authors are investigators in a clinical trial supported by a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Award (PLC-1609-36714).

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The statements in this article are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), its Board of Governors, or Methodology Committee.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Liver

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Jakab, S.S., Verma, M., Navarro, V. et al. Palliative Care in Cirrhosis: Beyond Misconceptions. Curr Treat Options Gastro 18, 245–254 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11938-020-00283-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11938-020-00283-1

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