Macrophage activation in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension

Background: Macrophage activation has been associated with worse outcome in patients suffering from end-stage liver disease. Concurrent increase of C-reactive-protein and ferritin has been identified as predictor for clinical deterioration. Yet the clinical conditions, such as portal hypertension, which activate splanchnic macrophages have not been studied in detail. Methods: Patients were prospectively enrolled between 2012 and 2013 at a tertiary medical center. Markers of macrophage activation (C-reactive-protein, ferritin) and variables of portal hypertension (spleen volume, portal flow, hepatic artery pulsat…