Hepatic Encephalopathy in Liver Cirrhosis

J Transl Int Med. 2017 Mar 31;5(1):64-67. doi: 10.1515/jtim-2017-0013. eCollection 2017 Mar.

Abstract

Liver cirrhosis is a worldwide gastroenterological condition, characterized by a slow, progressive and irreversible replacement of liver cells by fibrous tissue (scar) that prevents liver function. This condition often leads to the development of other syndromes. Cardiac complications can be indicated through abnormal QTc interval and arrhythmias, thereby their analysis aids in the prevention of cardiovascular events. Most cirrhotic cases have abnormal laboratory values (bilirubin, albumin, AST, ALT, AST/ALT, INR) indicating the presence of concomitant infection, inflammation and coagulopathy. In this case report, the usage Halstead-Reitan and Child-Pugh score helped in the assessment of the status of deterioration of brain. The knowledge of liver cirrhosis aetiologies help to determine the predisposition to development of hepatic encephalopathy and cardiomyopathy. The different values of liver enzymes and other blood laboratory analyses indicated the level of liver damage and poor prognosis.

Keywords: Child-Pugh score; QTc interval; alcoholic liver cirrhosis; hepatic encephalopathy; liver cirrhosis; viral liver cirrhosis.