Intensive care unit management of liver-related coagulation disorders

Coagulopathy, one of the cardinal features of advanced liver disease, is related to multiple factors including impaired synthetic function, thrombocytopenia, excessive fibrinolysis, platelet dysfunction, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. In the intensive care unit, management of coagulopathy may require treatment, particularly in the actively bleeding patient or in preparation for invasive procedures. This article reviews the background of coagulopathy in patients with end-stage liver disease and management options and comments on common clinical scenarios.