Social Impact of Hepatic Encephalopathy

Akshay Shetty; Elena G Saab; Gina Choi

doi:10.1016/j.cld.2024.01.011

Social Impact of Hepatic Encephalopathy

Clin Liver Dis. 2024 May;28(2):273-285. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.01.011. Epub 2024 Feb 12.

Authors

Akshay Shetty¹, Elena G Saab², Gina Choi³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Electronic address: akshayshetty@mednet.ucla.edu.
² School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC, USA.
³ Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

PMID: 38548439
DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.01.011

Abstract

Hepatic encephalopathy is a medical condition that stems from liver dysfunction, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream. This can result in cognitive impairments, mood changes, and motor dysfunction. Its social impact includes challenges in employment, relationships, and daily functioning for affected individuals. Stigma and misunderstanding around the condition can further exacerbate the difficulties faced by both patients and their caregivers. Efforts to raise awareness, improve medical management, and provide support systems can help mitigate the social impact of hepatic encephalopathy.

Keywords: Caregiver burden; Cirrhosis; Driving and hepatic encephalopathy; End-stage liver disease; Health care utilization; Health care-related quality of life; Hepatic encephalopathy.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cognitive Dysfunction* / etiology
Hepatic Encephalopathy* / etiology
Hepatic Encephalopathy* / psychology
Hepatic Encephalopathy* / therapy
Humans
Liver Cirrhosis / complications
Personality Disorders
Quality of Life / psychology
Social Change