Hepatic encephalopathy natural history, complications and prognosis

Hepatic encephalopathy Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Hepatic Encephalopathy from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Hepatic encephalopathy natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hepatic encephalopathy natural history, complications and prognosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Hepatic encephalopathy natural history, complications and prognosis
CDC on Hepatic encephalopathy natural history, complications and prognosis
Hepatic encephalopathy natural history, complications and prognosis in the news
Blogs on Hepatic encephalopathy natural history, complications and prognosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hepatic encephalopathy
Risk calculators and risk factors for Hepatic encephalopathy natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It's easy! Click here to learn about editing.

Overview

Hepatic encephalopathy leads to changed cognitive function. This can range from subtle deficits in higher mental functions (in mild cases) to obtundation and coma (in severe cases). Left untreated, severe hepatic encephalopathy can cause death.

Natural History

Hepatic encephalopathy may occur as an acute, potentially reversible disorder or it may occur as a chronic, progressive disorder that is associated with chronic liver disease.

Complications

• Brain herniation
• Brain swelling
• Increased risk of:
  • Cardiovascular collapse
  • Kidney failure
  • Respiratory failure
  • Sepsis
• Permanent nervous system damage to movement, sensation, or mental state
• Progressive, irreversible coma
• Side effects of medications

Prognosis

Acute hepatic encephalopathy may be treatable. Chronic forms of the disorder often keep getting worse or continue to come back. Both forms may result in irreversible coma and death. Approximately 80% (8 out of 10 patients) die if they go into a coma. Recovery and the risk of the condition returning vary from patient to patient.