Cirrhosis in over 16s: assessment and management

What is the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of endoscopic variceal band ligation plus a non-selective beta-blocker compared with either of these interventions alone for preventing variceal bleeding in adults with cirrhosis and medium or large oesophageal varices? 

Treating small oesophageal varices:- Do non-selective beta-blockers improve survival and prevent first variceal bleeds in people with cirrhosis that is associated with small oesophageal varices?

What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of non-selective beta-blockers for the primary prevention of decompensation in people with compensated cirrhosis and signs of clinically significant portal hypertension from non-invasive tests (such as tests to measure liver stiffness, or biomarkers)?

Assessing the risk of cirrhosis:- Development of a risk tool to identify people at risk of cirrhosis.

Antibiotic resistance in treating spontaneous bacterial peritonitis:- How frequently does antibiotic resistance occur, and how significant are antibiotic treatment-related complications when antibiotics are used for the primary prevention of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in people at high risk of having, or developing, cirrhosis?

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt:- What is the quality of life in people who have had a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)?

Acute hepatic encephalopathy:- In people with cirrhosis and an acute episode of hepatic encephalopathy secondary to a clearly identified, potentially reversible precipitating factor, does management of the precipitating event alone improve the hepatic encephalopathy without specific treatment?

What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in people with cirrhosis and ascites?