Hepatic Encephalopathy (original) (raw)

Current treatment options in gastroenterology, 2001

Abstract

A characteristic feature of the neuropsychiatric changes in hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is the potential for a complete recovery in the majority of patients. In this review, we limit our discussion to HE in individuals with chronic liver disease. The optimal approach to the management of HE includes the following elements. Provide standard supportive therapy for patients with an altered mental status. This is the mainstay of therapy in the majority of clinical situations and includes administration of parenteral fluids and nutrition, care of vascular and bladder catheters, control of self-injurious activities, and instituting aspiration precautions. Rule out or control concomitant causes of encephalopathy. The diagnosis of HE has positive and negative criteria, and ruling out other causes of change in mental status is an essential component of the diagnosis. Identify and correct the precipitating factors of HE. In the majority of patients with HE, a clearly defined precipitating fac...

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