Introduction:

Anemia is a prognostic factor and a predictor of poor outcomes, complications, and mortality in a range of chronic diseases. Cirrhosis represents the final common stage reached by different chronic liver diseases. The survival of cirrhotic patients is evaluated through prognostic scores such as the Child-Pugh and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD). The objetive of the present study is to assess whether anemia is a predictive factor of poor outcomes, complications, or death in patients with cirrhosis.

Methodology:

Analytical, observational, retrospective, and longitudinal study of patients with liver cirrhosis listed for liver transplantation. Follow-up was conducted over the 12 months following inclusion on the waiting list, based on medical records, documenting decompensations, complications, death, or transplantation, as well as the presence or absence of anemia and its severity.

Results:

47 patients were included. 55% were male, the mean age was 50.6 years. Of the total study population, 76.5% presented anemia at the time of listing. Regarding its severity, 61% had mild anemia, 31% moderate, and 8% severe. In 77% of the patients who presented decompensations prior to being placed on the waiting list, anemia was observed. During the 12-month follow-up, 68% of patients experienced decompensation, and among them, 81.3% had anemia. Concerning the relationship between anemia and death, 100% of the deceased patients had anemia, with a mean hemoglobin level of 9.3 g/dL. Conclusions: Although a statistically significant association could not be established between the variables studied, it was observed that patients with anemia presented a higher proportion of more advanced liver disease, decompensated more frequently, and were the only ones in whom death was documented.

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