Blood ammonia in patients with chronic liver diseases: A better defined role in clinical practice

Ammonia is one of the main players in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with chronic liver diseases. The usefulness of measuring ammonemia has been debated since many years. New data reveal that besides helping in the differential diagnosis of HE, ammonemia could be a prognostic marker not only in patients with HE, but also in patients without any neurological symptoms, suggesting a potential toxic role of ammonia beyond the brain. Finally, targeting ammonemia while monitoring therapeutic response could be a way to improve outcomes in patients with HE.

Automated summary

Ammonemia plays a significant role in the development of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with chronic liver diseases. It can not only be used for differential diagnosis but also serve as a prognostic marker, indicating a potential toxic effect of ammonia even in patients without neurological symptoms.