Jun 04, 2021 · Portal hypertension is the driver of complications in cirrhosis, such as ascites and gastro-oesophageal varices (which can haemorrhage), as well as hepatic encephalopathy due to portosystemic shunting, hepatorenal syndrome and hypersplenism.5 Patients with complications of portal hypertension show repeating readmissions in the hospital and are described as ….