Precipitating Factors and Clinico-Endoscopic Study of Patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy Type C

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a decline in brain function as a result of severe liver disease and its inadequacy to remove toxins from the body. It is characterized by personality changes, intellectual impairment, and loss of consciousness. This study was conducted to determine the precipitating factors and endoscopic features of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis and evaluate the associated clinical features admitted in a tertiary hospital in Central India. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2016 to October 2018 on 102 patients with hepatic encephalopathy type C, aged above 18. All patients were carefully examined, relevant investigations performed, and data collected through pre-designed proforma. They were sent for statistical analysis where categorical outcomes were compared between study groups using the Chi-square test /Fisher's Exact test. Results: The prevalence of HE was 19.6% in our study. In this study, we observed that constipation (26.5%), electrolyte imbalance (21.6%), renal failure (18.6%), and upper GI bleeding (18.6%) be among the leading precipitants for HE. Besides liver failure, the associated abnormalities in various factors like coagulation abnormalities, renal derangement, and changes in serum sodium levels can lead to the progression of HE to higher grades. Conclusion: It is essential to identify the different factors like constipation, electrolyte imbalance, renal failure, and upper GI bleeding early in the course of cirrhosis to help prevent the development of HE.

Keywords

• brain
• cirrhosis
• hepatic encephalopathy
• liver
• precipitating factors
• beyin
• siroz
• hepatik ensefalopati
• karaciğer
• kolaylaştıran faktörler