Journal
CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
Volume 13, Issue 12, Pages 2048-2061Publisher
ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2015.06.039
Keywords
Cirrhosis; Covert Hepatic Encephalopathy; Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy; Hepatic Encephalopathy; Ammonia; Lactulose; Rifaximin
Categories
Funding
- VA Merit Review [CX001076]
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [RO1AA020203]
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [RO1DK087913]
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is part of a spectrum of neurocognitive changes in cirrhosis. HE is divided into 2 broad categories based on severity: covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) and overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). CHE has a significant impact on a patient's quality of life, driving performance, and recently has been associated with increased hospitalizations and death. Likewise, OHE is associated with increased rates of hospitalizations and mortality, and poor quality of life. Given its significant burden on patients, care takers, and the health care system, early diagnosis and management are imperative. In addition, focus also should be directed on patient and family member education on the disease progression and adherence to medications. Treatment strategies include the use of nonabsorbable disaccharides, antibiotics (ie, rifaximin), and, potentially, probiotics. Other therapies currently under further investigation include L-ornithine-L-aspartate, ornithine phenylacetate, glycerol phenylbutyrate, molecular adsorbent recirculating system, and albumin infusion.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available