ACLF, acute-on-chronic liver failure; AD, acute decompensation; CAID, cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction; CM, classical monocytes; COX, cyclooxygenase; CRP, C-reactive protein; Cyclo-oxygenase 1; DSS, downstream synthases; Decompensated cirrhosis; EIA, enzyme immune assay; FACS, polychromatic flow cytometric analysis; HLA DR, human leukocyte antigen ­ DR isotype; HLA-DR; HPGD, 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase; HVs, healthy volunteers; IL6; LC-MS/MS, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry; LPS; LPS, lipopolysaccharide; MDMs, monocyte-derived macrophages; MFI, mean fluorescence intensity; Microsomal PGE synthase 1; NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; OPD, patients with refractory ascites attending hospital outpatient department for day case paracentesis; PGE2, prostaglandin E2; TIPS, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion; TNF; TNFα, tumour necrosis factor alpha; cPGES, cytosolic PGE synthase; mPGES1, microsomal PGE synthase 1; qPCR, quantitative PCR; sCD14, soluble CD14