(Encephalopathy, Hepatic; Portal-Systemic Encephalopathy; Encephalopathy, Portal-Systemic)
Definition
Definition
Hepatic encephalopathy is a problem with the brain that is caused by liver disease. The problem may be temporary or permanent.
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Causes
Causes
A liver with disease cannot filter the harmful items in blood. These toxins build up in the blood, which reaches the brain and affects the brain’s ability to work properly.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your chance of hepatic encephalopathy include:
- Cirrhosis
- Certain conditions that affect the levels of fluids and electrolytes such as hyponatremia and hyperkalemia
- Kidney failure
- Infections
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Certain medications such as sedatives and anti-epileptics
- Constipation
- Hepatitis—infectious or autoimmune
Symptoms
Symptoms
In the early stages, you may not notice any symptoms. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
- Changes in behavior and personality
- Shortened attention span
- Depression or anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Tiredness
- Forgetfulness
- Disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Uncontrolled movements, particularly a flapping tremor of the hands
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
If you have liver problems and any of the above symptoms, call your doctor right away.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The condition of your nervous system will also be assessed.
Your liver and kidney function may be assessed. This can be done with:
- Liver function tests
- Kidney function tests
- Imaging tests of the liver
Your brain and nervous system may be assessed. This can be done with:
- Images of the brain with MRI scan or CT scan
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) to look at brain waves for evidence of encephalopathy and/or seizures
- Lumbar puncture to look for other causes of the encephalopathy
Treatment
Treatment
Hospitalization and Emergency Care
The initial treatment will focus on treating and trying to reverse the underlying problems. If possible, toxins in your blood will be removed or neutralized.
Medications
Medications may be used to:
- Neutralize toxins in the intestine, such as ammonia
- Remove blood from the intestines
- Reduce ammonia production by intestinal bacteria
- Reduce the amount of ammonia producing bacteria
- Treat the condition that started the encephalopathy
- Reduce recurrence
Dietary Restrictions
Changes in your diet may be recommended. Tube feeding may be needed to supply nutrients, especially in the case of coma.
Transplantation
If this condition is due to liver failure, you may need a liver transplant.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of hepatic encephalopathy:
- Get early treatment for liver problems.
- If you have a disease such as cirrhosis, see your doctor regularly.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medications. Avoid overdosing.
- Avoid being exposed to poisons or toxins.
- Avoid excessive use of alcohol.
- Do not use illicit drugs.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
Butterworth RF. Role of circulating neurotoxins in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy: potential for improvement following their removal by liver assist devices. Liver Int. 2003;23(suppl 3):5-9.
Hepatic encephalopathy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated February 18, 2014. Accessed March 5, 2014.
Highleyman L. Hepatitis C. HCV Advocate website. Available at:
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepC/hepatic_encephalopathy.html
Published December 2002. Accessed February 17, 2014.
Juretschke L. Kernicterus: Still a concern. Neonatal Netw. 2005;24:7-9.
Lizardi-Cervera J, Almeda P, Guevara L, et al. Hepatic encephalopathy: a review. Ann Hepatol. 2003;2:122-130.
Toftengi F, Larsen F. Management of patients with fulminant hepatic failure and brain edema. Metab Brain Dis. 2004;19:207-214.
4/2/2010 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
FDA approves new use of Xifaxan for patients with liver disease. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm206104.htm. Updated April 24, 2013. Accessed February 17, 2014.
Last Updated: 3/5/2014