Budd Chiari

[PeterD]

My wife has budd chiari syndrome brought on by esential thrombocythemia.  I was hoping that someone there may have some experience with this to compare notes with.  Because it is rare getting information is difficult.  I am particularly interested in any treatment that has been received.  Thank you.

[Concerned lady]

I hope others who have experience with this will answer you.

Ask your wife's doctor for written information about this syndrome. Ask the doctor to explain all about this syndrome.

I did a brief search on the web, and found a website at:

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/g2601/0002/2601000245/p1/article.jhtml

On this website, they said that there are usually 3 main treatments:

1) surgery (different types depending on each patient's needs)
2) liver transplant
3) sometimes anti-clotting drugs

They said that if the condition is not too far advanced, that sometimes treating the underlying causes can help. Some of the underlying causes they write about, are:

a) blood disorders (ask your doctor how these can be treated)
b) liver cancer
c) pregnancy and after delivery
c) certain infections
d) birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
e) phlebitis (inflammation of a vein)
f) abdominal injury
g) membraneous webs (especially in Asia)--not sure what this means.

I wish your wife the best. Good luck to you.

Sincerely, Concerned lady