Summary

Severely decompensated cirrhosis presents major challenges in terms of balancing the benefits and burdens of life-extending treatment. Using accounts and interviews with a patient, her mother, consultant hepatologists and a consultant intensivist, this article explores the decision making around a 43-year-old woman with alcoholic liver disease who died after 100 days in a hospital. Particular focus is given to decisions on escalation, recognition of futility, distress associated with therapy and how messages given during end-of-life discussions are processed. Without suggesting that the case is an example of ideal practice, the importance of frequent multidisciplinary discussion, clinical re-evaluation and continuity of care is emphasised.