The Natural History of Cirrhosis

THE purpose of this report is to characterize a large group of patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices and to determine their survival by means of a prospective survey. Such a survey is of interest in itself, and can supply background information useful for the design of clinical trials. The study consists of the analysis of data collected on 471 patients with unequivocal esophageal varices seen by members of the Boston Inter-Hospital Liver Group§ at the associated hospitals in the years 1959–1961. By comparison with previously published data the influence of recent advances in therapy upon survival may become apparent. . . .