Liver-Unrelated Comorbid Conditions Do Not Affect Cognitive Performance or Hepatic Encephalopathy Progression in Cirrhosis.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine the effect of comorbidities on covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) diagnosis and overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) development. METHODS: Cirrhotic outpatients underwent CHE testing and 2-year follow-up. Cox regression was performed for time to OHE. In total, 700 patients (60 years, 84% men, model for end-stage liver disease 11) and 33% prior OHE underwent testing and follow-up. RESULTS: Major comorbidities were hypertension (54%), diabetes (35%), and depression (29%). Common medications were proton pump inhibitor (49%), beta-blockers (32%), and opioids (21%). Approximately 90 (40%) prior-OHE patients developed recurrence 93 (30,206) days post-testing predicted only by liverrelated variables. DISCUSSION: Demographics, cirrhosis characteristics, and opioid use, but not other comorbid conditions, were associated with CHE diagnosis and OHE progression.