The presence of an intramuscular hematoma in an alcoholic with cirrhosis may indicate a poor prognosis.
Risk factors for intramuscular hematoma:
(1) trauma, especially fall injury
(2) acquired coagulopathy (factor deficiency, thrombocytopenia, etc)
(3) end-stage liver disease
(4) race (Asian)
(5) medications, especially antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants
Complications:
(1) anemia, which may be unexplained
(2) infection with development of an abscess
The mortality rate of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis is often much higher than for other causes.
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Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic
