Author information
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA.
2Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA; Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
3Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, USA; Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA. Electronic address: sgordon3@hfhs.org.
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy-a common and debilitating complication of cirrhosis-results in major health care burden on both patients and caregivers through direct and indirect costs. In addition to risk of falls, inability to work and drive, patients with hepatic encephalopathy often require hospital admission (and often readmission), and many require subacute care following hospitalization. The costs and psychological impact of liver transplantation often ensue. As the prevalence of chronic liver disease increases throughout the United States, the health care burden of hepatic encephalopathy will continue to grow.