NPPB and infection: It is well known that cirrhosis has an increased risk of infection and poor prognosis.[19] Tei index was applied to detect the systolic dysfunction of both ventricles in cirrhosis patients receiving liver transplantation.[20] In addition, BNP has been negatively associated with the cardiac function in cirrhosis patients.[21] The present study was conducted in order to evaluate the cardiac function involved in patients with decompensated cirrhosis by using a Tei index combined with the present plasma BNP levels.