Spectrum of hepatic encephalopathy admitted in a tertiary care center

Abstract

Objectives: Few of the common symptoms for which cirrhotic patient seeks medical care are gastrointestinal bleed, abdominal distension (ascites), altered sensorium (hepatic encephalopathy [HE]), etc. This study was done to look at the spectrum of HE among cirrhotic patients admitted in a tertiary care center. Material and Methods: This hospital-based study was carried on 36 HE patients (with liver cirrhosis and age >18 years) admitted in the department of gastroenterology of a tertiary care center, between April 2019 and November 2019. Results: Constipation and infections were the two most frequent precipitating factors identified. Majority patients (77.8%) belonged to CTP Class C. In-hospital mortality was observed in seven patients. The OR was significant for infections and in-hospital mortality (OR – 28.80 and P < 0.05). A moderate positive correlation (Pearson’s correlation, r = 0.335) was seen between MELD score and in-hospital mortality among HE patients. Conclusion: A larger mass of HE patients belongs to CTP Class C. Constipation and infections are the two most common precipitating factors for HE. All HE patients who have concomitant infection and/or high MELD score should be managed on priority basis.