prognosis

Last reviewed 01/2018

The prognosis for variceal bleeds:

  • when varices bleed for the first time, 40-70% of patients will die
  • mortality for subsequent bleeds is 30%
  • the rate of recurrent haemorrhage in those who survive the initial bleeding is as high as 100% over 2 years

Poor prognostic indicators are:

  • encephalopathy
  • jaundice
  • ascites
  • hypoalbuminaemia