| The most serious complication is respiratory failure from airway obstruction or hypoventilation. |
| Arterial hypoxemia, a frequent complication of lung disease, can lead to pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale. |
| Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a common complication of cirrhosis, with high mortality. |
| Hepatic hydrothorax is a complication of cirrhosis in patients with ascites. |
| Variceal bleeding is the most catastrophic complication of portal hypertension associated with cirrhotic and noncirrhotic forms of liver disease. |
| A further complication is the very low status of woman in many of these societies. |
