#305 Decompensated Cirrhosis Explained: Variceal Bleeding, SBP, HRS, and Hepatic Encephalopathy

WhiteBoard Medicine - Emergency And Critical Care · Aug 12, 2026 · 2h 20m

Decompensated cirrhosis is defined by the development of major complications of advanced liver disease and portal hypertension. In this episode, we review the core complications of decompensated cirrhosis, including esophageal variceal bleeding, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, and hepatic encephalopathy. Topics covered include: • What decompensated cirrhosis means • Portal hypertension and advanced liver disease • Esophageal varices and variceal bleeding • Initial management of suspected variceal hemorrhage • Octreotide, antibiotics, endoscopy, and band ligation •…