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Suzanne Sargent

Publications and source records attributed to Suzanne Sargent.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Quality of life following emergency liver transplantation for acute liver failure.

INTRODUCTION: Liver transplantation is an accepted and successful therapy for both acute and chronic liver diseases (CLDs), with good survival outcomes. Whilst the study of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) post transplantation for CLDs have been well documented, there is little data measuring HRQoL following liver transplantation for acute liver failure (ALF) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected using between-method triangulation; however, only the quantitative element of the study is reported here. Measuring eight health domains, we distributed the short form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire by post to 96 acute and chronic transplant recipients. Differences between the groups were measured using both parametric and non-parametric t-tests. RESULTS: Overall, the patients showed a satisfactory HRQoL; there were no differences between either acute or chronic transplant groups in seven of the eight domains of quality of life. Among the patients transplanted for ALF, there were no differences in HRQoL between patients transplanted for paracetamol hepatotoxicity compared with other indications, and no variations in HRQoL related to recipient gender, employment or length of survival post transplantation. When compared with the UK SF-36 normal values to the ALF transplant recipients, there was a significantly lower physical functioning and role emotional scores. CONCLUSION: Regardless of aetiology, most of recipients transplanted for ALF have a HRQoL comparable with chronic transplant recipients.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The aetiology, management and complications of alcoholic hepatitis.

First described over 40 years ago, alcoholic hepatitis (AH) (an acute inflammation of the liver) is a common condition seen in 10-35% of heavy drinkers. In its severest form acute AH carries a high short-term mortality of up to 60%. Although the current treatment options are limited, many of the complications associated with increased mortality, such as hepatorenal syndrome, are preventable. The incidence of AH in the UK is set to rise as a result of the increase in heavy drinking. This article aims to increase awareness of the disease aetiology and to review current management strategies and nursing care.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Renal dysfunction in liver cirrhosis.

Liver cirrhosis is an escalating health problem attributed to numerous causes, including an increase in alcohol consumption, morbid obesity and chronic viral hepatitis. The circulatory disturbances seen in advanced cirrhosis lead to the development of ascites, which often lead to progressive renal impairment or the development of hepatorenal syndrome. Furthermore, cirrhotic patients commonly experience clinical situations that predispose them to the development of pre-renal failure, such as dehydration, hypovolaemia, septic shock, or exposure to nephrotoxic drugs. This article provides an overview of the main causes of acute renal failure in liver cirrhosis and describes the current medical and nursing management.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of acute pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be either acute or chronic in origin and is caused by a varied range of aetiologies. However, in both types of the disease alcohol use may be a major contributor. In acute pancreatitis the symptoms can range from mild, which resolve within a few days, to severe, which is associated with both multi-organ failure and a high mortality necessitating admission to a high dependency or intensive care unit. As the incidence of acute pancreatitis is increasing it is imperative that nurses are familiar with the causes, underlying pathophysiology, diagnostic tests and the potentially vast range of complications that can occur in acute pancreatitis. This article reviews the current medical and nursing management of this condition.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The management and nursing care of cirrhotic ascites.

Over 3000 deaths from cirrhosis/chronic liver disease are reported in England and Wales each year. However, these figures may underestimate the true extent of liver-related mortality by between 30-60%. As more patients with advanced cirrhosis are being nursed outside of specialist centres, it is essential that health professionals are aware of the management of cirrhotic-related complications. Defined as fluid within the peritoneal cavity, ascites is one of the most frequent complications of cirrhosis, and is considered as the marker of the transition from compensated to decompensated liver disease. The development of ascites is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infections, renal failure and poor long-term outcomes. In recent years, however, there have been several advances in the management of ascites. This article will discuss both the pathophysiology, and the current medical, surgical and nursing management of this condition.

Ascites↗