Hi,
I am sure I have read the answer to this previously, possibly from Katie but what are the guidelines for ongoing monitoring of cirrhosis in terms of frequency of US, Endoscopy and LFTs ? Every six months springs to mind but more frequent if poor MELD score and annually if low score ?
Thanks is advance
Hi mum
The only one I sort of maybe (sort of maybe - now that’s convincing isn’t it!) recognise is the 6 monthly US scan and even then I’m not convinced it was regular because of scans and other investigations I seemed to be going through driven by HE - I think?
Well that wasn’t very helpful was it 🙁 👎 - sorry mum!
Miles
🤔
As you & your son 😊😊😊 have stated 6 monthly US to continue to monitor the condition.
Consultation is meant to be around the same 6 monthly in general, but mines long overdue I've only had one back in Apr19 although he performed the endo in June that's not a consultation.
As for the rest 12 monthly, sooner or later. My first one & only endoscopy was June19 but being clear I'm listed back in 2yrs time, can't wait.
Bloods last done by my GP Feb19. Full bloods after consultation in Liver Clinic Apr19 & One specifically AFP cancer marker Aug19.
Irregular or forgotten me. 🙄
It'll be 6 months for my husband. His 2nd abdominal ultrasound is scheduled for Feb. No mention of CT scan as with the first. But, there was too much fluid then to likely get a good look with the regular US.
The Gastroenterologist hasn't sent a requisition as of yet for the next Endoscopy. Recall there was to be another at 6 month mark too.
Husband's blood work testing is at every 4 to 6 weeks now. We expect those to decrease in frequency if his next results are as good as they were last time.
NICE guidelines/recommendations for monitoring cirrhosis - nice.org.uk/guidance/NG50/c...
Katie
For my husband he sees a consultant every three months and his GP sometimes fortnightly and other times monthly. He was diagnosis in May. Not sure that help much either, sorry x
I have an ultrasound every 6 months, go to the liver clinic every 6 months where I have the usual blood tests. Endoscopy every 2 years now as no varices and bone density checks every 2 years. But my liver and bloods have been stable for a long time now-in the early days I was seen much more frequently. Hope that helps!
Katie posted a link to a very good resource!
As for my situation, I was having ultrasounds every three months because I have a hereditary cancer syndrome (a genetic defect that makes me get cancer more easily that other people) in addition to having cirrhosis. However, my ultrasounds kept turning up false alarms, so now I'm just having the ultrasounds every six months.
I also had endoscopies every three months following an episode of ruptured varices. But, those, too, are now once a year.
However, I still have my LFT's done every three months or so. But, I am in the US where there are a lot of unnecessary medical tests (assuming one has insurance to pay for them.)
I think it really depends on the patient's individual situation, with ultrasounds and endoscopies being anywhere from three months to a year. I think the important thing is to have confidence in one's physician -- does he/she seem knowledgeable and attentive?
Hi jacobsmum,
You are right about the tests required, and yes the consultations are either 6 or 12 monthly. The trouble is that being overstretched, the consultation frequency can be extended, as in my case. I have F4 cirrhosis, and therefore have everything, tests and appt's, 6 monthly, but my consultant has reduced this to annually.
To be left in limbo for a year, when you have a serious disease, is just not acceptable in my opinion.
David
Hi there
Check up every 6 months with an US then a Fibra scan about once a year and endoscopic exam every 3 years. This can be shortened or lengthened depending on how your liver is doing. I'm fairly stable and visit Kings College Hospital London for my check ups.
Hope that helps
A diagnosis of Cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis 
Cirrhosis!
Cirrhosis
cirrhosis 
