Cerebrovascular physiology in liver disease

Abstract

Mental status changes in acute and chronic liver disease can account for a significant portion of ICU admissions and mortality. Much of the pathology associated with these conditions is associated with an inability to maintain adequate blood flow. Thus, an understanding of both normal cerebrovascular physiology as well as the physiology behind derangements seen in both acute and chronic liver failure can help lead to better understanding and optimized management of these critically ill patients. Keywords