Role of etiological therapy in achieving recompensation of decompensated liver cirrhosis

The traditional view of the decompensated stage as a point of no return in the natural history of liver cirrhosis (LC) is currently being questioned. This is due to the appearance of data indicating the possibility of restoring the structure and function of the liver, reducing the portal pressure with a positive effect on complications associated with portal hypertension and decreasing the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma after elimination of the etiological factor. To create a unified understanding the recompensation of decompensated LC, at the Baveno VII consensus workshop were developed criteria confirming it. At the moment, the efficacy of etiological therapy in achieving established criteria for recompensation has been evaluated only in patients with alcohol-related, as well as hepatitis B virus-related and hepatitis C virus-related decompensated LC. The purpose of the review is to provide up-to-date information on the role of etiological therapy in achieving recompensation of decompensated LC according to Baveno VII criteria. So far, only the first steps have been taken in studying this problem. To further understand it, research is needed to identify pathophysiological mechanisms, modifying factors, predictors, and potential noninvasive biomarkers of recompensation of decompensated LC.