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Abstract Details
Useful tests for hepatic encephalopathy in clinical practice
Nabi E, Bajaj JS. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2014 Jan;16(1):362. doi: 10.1007/s11894-013-0362-0.
Author information
Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA.
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious complication of liver disease and portosystemic shunting that represents a continuum of neuropsychiatric changes and altered consciousness. It is classified as overt HE (OHE) when clinically apparent or as covert HE (CHE) in its mildest form. Progression of CHE to OHE and its impact of quality of life make its early diagnosis imperative. Several diagnostic techniques ranging from simple clinical scales to sophisticated computerized tests exist, yet diagnosis remains a challenge, due to the time, cost, and personnel involved. Psychometric tests appear promising due to their high sensitivity and low cost, but results are variable depending on age and education. The pros and cons of current diagnostic methods for OHE and CHE are reviewed, along with strategy for CHE testing.