Characteristics of the cirrhotic patient which may make definitions of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis difficult
| • Baseline reduced polymorphonuclear count due to hypersplenism |
| • Baseline elevated heart rate because of the hyperdynamic circulatory syndrome |
| • Baseline hyperventilation due to hepatic encephalopathy |
| • Blunted elevation of body temperature that is often observed in cirrhotic patients |