Precipitating factors of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with chronic liver disease at Civil Hospital Karachi.

Abstract

Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) constitute a significant burden on the economy of the country. Approximately 3% of global population is estimated to be chronically infected with hepatitis C virus with an annual incidence of 3 to 4 million new cases globally. 1 Patients with CLD frequently experience episodes of exacerbations including hepatic encephalopathy precipitated by variety of established precipitants. 2 Hepatic encephalopathy is defined as a spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities in patients with liver dysfunction, after exclusion of other known brain disease.2 It is characterized by personality changes, intellectual impairment, and a depressed level of consciousness. Identification of the precipitants and their prevention and/or immediate seeking of tertiary care facility may have significant impact on morbidity and mortality of patients presenting with hepatic encephalopathy. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of factors likely to precipitate the hepatic encephalopathy in patients with CLD presenting to the Medical Wards of Civil Hospital, Karachi.