Demographic, etiological and clinical features of liver cirrhosis at the onset of the first episode of clinical decompensation: Preliminary results of the “A.I.S.F.-EPASCO” Study

Background and aim. The occurrence of decompensation in patients with liver cirrhosis marks a crucial “cut-off” point in the natural course of the disease which deeply modifies both clinical management and follow-up strategies. In addition, it leads to great efforts in terms of economical and human resources. Aim of this study was to prospectively assess the clinical, etiological and demographic features and to identify, in every-day clinical practice, the predictors of early mortality of patients with liver cirrhosis at the time of first episode of decompensation during a 3 to 5 years follow-up period (A.I.S.F.-EPASCO Study).