Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of hepatic encephalopathy.
Inflammopharmacology
; 22(6): 319-26, 2014 Dec.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-25300964
ABSTRACT
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of cirrhosis of the liver. It is also extremely debilitating, with an untreated 3-year survival of only 23 %. While the exact pathophysiology of HE has yet to be elucidated, a number of contributing factors have been described. Abnormal levels and altered metabolism of ammonia play a central role. Recently, inflammation has also been identified as a contributor to HE. Improved understanding of the pathophysiology of HE is crucial, as current therapy centers on reduction of the body's ammonia load. Lactulose is the first-line therapy for HE, with some antibiotics recently showing promise for improved outcomes in patients with HE. The role of anti-inflammatory therapies has yet to be evaluated.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Hepatic Encephalopathy
/
Ammonia
/
Liver Cirrhosis
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Etiology_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Inflammopharmacology
Journal subject:
FARMACOLOGIA
/
TERAPIA POR MEDICAMENTOS
Year:
2014
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Canada