Hepatic encephalopathy

hepatic encephalopathy

n.

See portal-systemic encephalopathy.

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Hepatic encephalopathy

Also called liver encephalopathy or hepatic coma, this is a disorder in which brain function deteriorates because toxic substances, which would normally be removed by the liver, accumulate in the bloodstream due to liver damage or disease. Early symptoms include subtle changes in logical thinking, personality and behavior. As the disorder progresses, signs of drowsiness and confusion increase until eventually the patient loses consciousness and lapses into coma.

Mentioned in: Liver Function Tests

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hepatic encephalopathy Hepatic coma Neurology A complication of hepatic failure due to ↑ ammonia in circulation, which may occur in decompensated cirrhosis or portocaval anastomosis; major finding in HE is cerebral edema, which ↑ morbidity; the Mayo Clinic devised a CT-based system–Brain Edema Severity Score for classifying HE Management It is uncertain whether treatment of cerebral edema ↑ survival in HE

Hepatic encephalopathy clinical forms

Acute HE Marked cognitive impairment and ↓ consciousness

Subacute HE Subtle; spontaneous or due to surgical portal-caval shunt

Chronic progressive HE Associated with dysarthria, ataxia, intention tremor, and choreoathetosis, and dementia