Queenie Brown,*
aged 58, requires abdominal paracentesis for diuretic-resistant
ascites every 10 days. Diagnosed with non-alcohol related steatohepatitis cirrhosis,
she was initially referred to the hepatology clinic for review of abdominal distension,
fluctuating confusion and general physical deterioration. She is unsure how long she
has “not felt herself”, but is aware she cannot read the paper like she used to and that
she often falls asleep during the day and wakes at night. She feels her memory is
poor, and often forgets to take her tablets or eat regularly. She feels very tired and
lacks motivation to look after herself.
Ms Brown’s medical history is of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia.
She attends the GP practice “only if they call me in”. Her current medications are
metformin, gliclazide, ramipril, aspirin 75mg and simvastatin. Her mother died in her
early 60s; she also had diabetes and “had a heart attack”. Having cared for her until
she died, Ms Brown now lives alone. She has no children and has been unemployed
for the last five years. She does not drink alcohol and smokes up to 20 cigarettes a
day. Physical examination reveals the following:
● Peripheral muscle mass loss
● Spider naevi on anterior/posterior chest wall
● Palmar erythema
● Bruising on lower legs and arms
● Asterixis (liver flap)
● Distended and uncomfortable abdomen
● Swollen ankles and calves (peripheral oedema)