On 25/2, doctor Bui Xuan Bac, from the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, stated that the medical team is closely monitoring the patient's vital signs following intensive efforts to save his life.

Upon admission, the patient was agitated, restless, experiencing severe hypotension, and in hypovolemic shock. Currently, his circulatory system is temporarily stable. Previously, doctors performed a gastrointestinal endoscopy to stop bleeding from ruptured esophageal varices, while rapidly transfusing nearly three liters of blood products within 24 hours.

Doctors continuously monitor the patient's health. Photo: Hospital provided

The patient's family reported that he consumed over one liter of alcohol daily for the past two decades. During Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), he drank continuously from morning until night. Despite already suffering from alcoholic liver cirrhosis and ruptured esophageal varices, the man did not abandon his harmful habit. This led to massive hematemesis at home, prompting his critical admission.

According to doctor Bac, the patient's liver has completely lost its detoxification function, evidenced by soaring liver enzyme levels and blood ammonia concentration. The chronic liver cirrhosis also caused severe immune suppression, leading to a drastic drop in platelets and severe blood clotting disorders. The treatment team held inter-specialty consultations to explore surgical options but ultimately had to abandon them. Doctors assessed the risk on the operating table as too high, as even the smallest surgical intervention could trigger massive hemorrhage, immediately costing the patient's life.

Experts warn that alcoholic liver cirrhosis is the result of prolonged liver damage due to alcohol abuse. Once the disease has progressed, even a single episode of heavy drinking, especially during holidays, can trigger critical gastrointestinal bleeding complications, directly threatening life. Continuing to drink alcohol after being diagnosed with liver cirrhosis rapidly worsens the prognosis.

People should not abuse alcohol and must absolutely stop drinking if they have liver disease. When signs such as vomiting blood, black stools, extreme fatigue, jaundice, or altered consciousness appear, immediate medical attention is necessary. "Gastrointestinal bleeding due to liver cirrhosis can lead to death in a very short time if not treated promptly", the doctor said.

Thuy An