Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis — referral criteria for Gastroenterology services.

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Clinically suspected or confirmed cirrhosis with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Acute liver failure

Sepsis in a patient with cirrhosis

Severe hepatic encephalopathy

Severe ascites restricting movement and breathing

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Suspected cirrhosis suggested by one or more of the following — evidence of cirrhosis on imaging

Suspected cirrhosis suggested by one or more of the following — platelet count less than 120 x 109 per litre

Suspected cirrhosis suggested by one or more of the following — ascites

Suspected cirrhosis suggested by one or more of the following — hepatic encephalopathy

Suspected cirrhosis suggested by one or more of the following — AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) greater than 2.0