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Figure 3 | Critical Care

Figure 3

From: Bench-to-beside review: Acute-on-chronic liver failure - linking the gut, liver and systemic circulation

Figure 3

Simplified representation of circulatory dysfunction in acute-on-chronic liver failure. Through bacterial translocation and subsequent Kupffer cell and stellate cell activation, intrahepatic vascular resistance is increased. This further results in aggravation of hyperdynamic circulation through involvement of multiple vasoactive substances such as nitric oxide. Renal failure results from intravascular depletion and activation of fluid-retaining systems such as the renin angiotensin system. ADH, antidiuretic hormone; ATII, angiotensin II.

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Critical Care

ISSN: 1364-8535