The Liver Meeting 2021-Common Challenges in Clinical Hepatology and Liver Transplant Practice

Common Challenges in Clinical Hepatology and Liver Transplant Practice

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Cannabis use in patients with liver disease, especially cirrhosis, should be approached cautiously due to limited data on its effects, which may include an increased risk of encephalopathy. For liver transplant patients, although cannabis has not shown a significant impact on survival, caution is necessary due to medication interactions and risk of infections. Coffee is being studied for potential benefits in liver disease, like reducing steatosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but more research is needed. Pruritus is a common issue in liver disease, with causes including bile issues and nerve pathway changes. Treatments range from basic care like moisturizing to medications like cholestyramine and sertraline. An individualized approach to managing cannabis and coffee use, as well as pruritus, is crucial for optimal patient outcomes. New treatments like capillary receptor agonists show promise in managing pruritus. It's important to address pruritus systematically, starting with simple measures and progressing as necessary to improve patients' quality of life.

Keywords

Cannabis use

Liver disease

Encephalopathy risk

Liver transplant

Coffee benefits

Pruritus treatment

Bile issues

Cholestyramine

Sertraline

Capillary receptor agonists

Quality of life improvement