Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy In Patients Research Articles

Small Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Plus Variceal Embolization for Gastric Varices: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Background and AimsThe effect of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) plus variceal embolization for treating gastric varices (GVs) remains controversial. This nationwide multicenter cohort study aimed to evaluate whether adding variceal embolization to a small diameter (8-mm) TIPS could reduce the rebleeding incidence in patients with different types of GVs. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study involved 629 patients who underwent 8-mm TIPS for gastric varices at seven medical centers. The primary endpoint was all-cause rebleeding, and the secondary endpoints included overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) and all-cause mortality. ResultsA total of 629 patients were included. Among them, 429 (68.2%) had gastroesophageal varices type 1 (GOV1), 145 (23.1%) had gastroesophageal varices type 2 (GOV2), and 55 (8.7%) had isolated gastric varices type 1 (IGV1). In the entire cohort, adjunctive embolization reduced rebleeding (6.2% versus 13.6%, P=0.005) and OHE (31.0% versus 39.4%, P=0.02) compared with TIPS alone. However, no significant differences were found in mortality (12.0% versus 9.7%, P=0.42). In patients with GOV2 and IGV1, TIPS+E reduced both rebleeding (GOV2: 7.8% versus 25.1%, P=0.01; IGV1: 5.6% versus 30.8%, P=0.03) and OHE (GOV2: 31.8% versus 51.5%, P=0.008; IGV1: 11.6% versus 38.5%, P=0.04). However, in patients with GOV1, adjunctive embolization did not reduce rebleeding (5.9% versus 8.7%, P=0.37) or OHE (33.1% versus 35.3%, P=0.60). ConclusionsCompared with TIPS alone, 8-mm TIPS plus variceal embolization reduced rebleeding and OHE in patients with GOV2 and IGV1. These findings suggest that patients with GOV2 and IGV1, rather than GOV1, could benefit from embolization with TIPS.

Nutritional counseling improves mortality and prevents hepatic encephalopathy in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease.

Nutritional counseling improves malnutrition, which determines the prognosis of patients with chronic liver disease. In this study, we investigated the effects of nutritional counseling on mortality and the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease. In this retrospective cohort study, we included 211 patients with alcohol-associated liver disease who visited Gifu University Hospital between August 2008 and June 2023. Patients were classified into two groups according to the frequency of nutritional counseling by a registered dietitian. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and overt HE. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounders. Among the patients (median age 67years; 88% men; and median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, 9), 86 (39%) were in the high-frequency (≥2) nutritional counseling group. The high-frequency group had a significantly higher survival rate (46% vs. 25%) and a lower incidence of overt HE (16% vs. 27%) at 5years than the low-frequency group. Nutritional counseling was associated with a reduced risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36-0.63) and overt HE (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.42-0.99), independent of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver function reserve. After propensity score matching, nutritional counseling was still associated with a reduced risk of mortality (HR 0.34; 95% CI 0.19-0.59) and overt HE (HR 0.31; 95% CI 0.11-0.87). Nutritional counseling effectively improves mortality and prevents overt HE in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease, thereby proving essential for the management of these patients.

Neurofilament light chain but not glial fibrillary acidic protein is a potential biomarker of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis

Introduction and ObjectivesHepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent complication of cirrhosis and may cause cerebral damage. Neurodegenerative diseases can induce the release of neuroproteins like neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in body fluids, including blood plasma. We investigated whether NfL and GFAP could serve as potential diagnostic plasma biomarkers for overt HE (oHE). Materials and MethodsWe included 85 patients from three prospective cohorts with different stages of liver disease and HE severity. The following patients were included: 1) 34 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) with compensated disease; 2) 17 patients with advanced liver disease without oHE before elective transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement; 3) 17 intensive care unit (ICU) patients with oHE and 17 ICU patients without cirrhosis or oHE. Plasma NfL and GFAP were measured using single molecule assays. ResultsICU oHE patients had higher NfL concentrations compared to pre-TIPS patients or ICU controls (p < 0.05, each). Median GFAP concentrations were equal in the ICU oHE and pre-TIPS patients or ICU controls. Plasma NfL and GFAP concentrations correlated with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores (R = 0.58 and R = 0.40, p < 0.001, each). ConclusionsPlasma NfL deserves further evaluation as potential diagnostic biomarker for oHE and correlates with the MELD score.

Higher scores in the Clinical Frailty Scale are associated with covert and overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis

BackgroundFrailty increases the vulnerability to internal and external stressors and may therefore be an indicator of a higher frequency of cirrhosis complications. We aimed to investigate the association of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) with covert (CHE) and overt HE (OHE) development in patients with cirrhosis. MethodsThis study analyzed data of 228 patients with cirrhosis. Frailty was assessed using CFS. Patients were examined for the presence of CHE (using PHES) at study inclusion and followed for OHE. ResultsMedian CFS was 3 and 26 (11 %) patients were at least pre-frail (CFS>3). In multivariable logistic regression analysis in patients without a history of OHE (n = 195), a higher CFS was associated with the presence of CHE at baseline (OR 1.6, p = 0.039). During follow-up, 42 (18 %) patients developed an episode of OHE. In multivariable competing risk regression analyses, a higher CFS was independently associated with the development of an OHE episode in the total cohort (sHR 1.97, p < 0.001) and in the subcohort of patients without a history of OHE (sHR 1.88, p = 0.008). ConclusionCFS appears to be a reliable tool to identify patients at higher risk of HE in whom intensified monitoring and treatment may be justified.

P15 Higher Scores in the Clinical Frailty Scale Are Associated With Covert and Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Cirrhosis

P15 Higher Scores in the Clinical Frailty Scale Are Associated With Covert and Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Cirrhosis

Predicting overt hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS: Value of three minimal hepatic encephalopathy tests

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent and severe complication in patients after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) insertion. However, risk factors for post-TIPS HE remain poorly defined. Minimal HE (mHE) is a well-known risk factor for overt HE in patients with cirrhosis without TIPS. We aimed to evaluate three tools frequently used for diagnosing mHE for their dynamic changes and their predictive value for overt HE after TIPS. We prospectively recruited 84 consecutive patients before TIPS insertion and monitored them for 180 days for post-TIPS HE. Before TIPS insertion, the patients underwent the portosystemic encephalopathy (PSE) syndrome test, the animal naming test (ANT), and the critical flicker frequency (CFF). Patients were retested after TIPS insertion. The majority of patients were male (67.9%), and the predominant indication for TIPS was refractory ascites (75%). Median age was 59 years, model for end-stage liver disease score was 12, and 66.3%, 64.6%, and 28.4% patients had evidence for mHE according to the PSE syndrome test, ANT, and CFF, respectively. Overall, 25 patients developed post-TIPS HE within 180 days after TIPS insertion. Post-TIPS incidence of overt HE was 22.2, 28.6, 45.5, and 55.6% in those with no, one, two, and three pathological tests at baseline, respectively. However, none of the three tests was significantly associated with post-TIPS HE. Of note, mean performance in all tests remained stable over time after TIPS insertion. PSE syndrome test, ANT and CFF, which are frequently used for diagnosing mHE have limited value for predicting HE after TIPS insertion. We could not find evidence that TIPS insertion leads to a psychometric decline in the long term. This prospective observational study compared three diagnostic tests for mHE and showed the limited value of these tests for predicting overt HE in patients with cirrhosis undergoing TIPS insertion. In addition, the results suggest that cognitive performance generally remains stable after TIPS insertion. These results are important for physicians and researchers involved in the management of patients with cirrhosis undergoing TIPS procedures. The study's findings serve as a starting point for further investigations on the development of more effective strategies for predicting and managing post-TIPS HE. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04801290.

WED-377 - Poorer results in the clinical frailty scale are associated with covert and overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis

WED-377 - Poorer results in the clinical frailty scale are associated with covert and overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis

WED-319 - Rifaximin plus lactulose is more effective than lactulose alone for the prevention of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with or without diabetes

WED-319 - Rifaximin plus lactulose is more effective than lactulose alone for the prevention of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with or without diabetes

Effect of Selenium Deficiency on the Development of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease.

Selenium is an essential trace element to maintain good health. This retrospective study investigated the prevalence of selenium deficiency and its effect on overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Patients who underwent serum selenium level measurement between January 2021 and April 2022 were enrolled. The factors associated with selenium deficiency (≤10 µg/dL) and the association between selenium deficiency and OHE were analyzed. Among 98 eligible patients, 24% were observed to have selenium deficiency, with a median serum selenium level of 11.8 µg/dL. The serum selenium levels were significantly lower in patients with cirrhosis than in those with chronic hepatitis (10.9 µg/dL vs. 12.4 µg/dL; p = 0.03). The serum selenium levels were negatively correlated with mac-2 binding protein glycan isomer, the FIB-4 index, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, and Child-Pugh score. The ALBI score remained significantly associated with selenium deficiency (odds ratio, 3.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56-6.67). During a median follow-up period of 2.9 months, nine patients experienced OHE. Selenium deficiency was associated with OHE (hazard ratio, 12.75; 95% CI, 2.54-70.22). Selenium deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with CLD and is associated with an increased risk of OHE development.

Prediction and prevention of the first episode of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the most important complications of patients with liver cirrhosis. In addition, HE is associated with a dismal prognosis and has detrimental effects on patients' quality of life. Thus, it is of pivotal importance to identify patients at high risk for overt HE (OHE) in whom primary prophylaxis may be justified. In this narrative review, we aim to provide insight into predictors and prediction tools for a first-time episode of OHE and to scrutinize the current level of evidence of primary prophylaxis. In recent decades, several cognitive tests, composite scores, and blood-based biomarkers have been demonstrated to be predictive of a first-time episode of OHE. Among the best validated are the established tests for minimal HE, such as the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score, determination of the critical flicker frequency, Stroop EncephalApp, or the Animal Naming Test. Individualized risk stratification using blood-based biomarkers and cross-sectional imaging (sarcopenia and spontaneous portosystemic shunts) is coming to the fore, but validation in larger multicenter cohorts is often lacking. On the basis of current evidence, a recommendation for primary prophylaxis of a first episode of OHE cannot be made in general. Only 2 studies have investigated the prevention of a first-time OHE episode as the primary endpoint. In this narrative review, we provide a concise overview of the current evidence levels on prediction tools and pharmacological prevention of a first episode of OHE. In addition, we give an outlook on future research targets to improve knowledge on this important topic.

A shortened Stroop test to identify covert hepatic encephalopathy and predict overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.

Covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) adversely affects the clinical outcomes of patients with cirrhosis but remains largely undiagnosed and untreated. Although the Stroop test is a useful method for CHE detection, a faster, simpler, and more accurate test is required to diagnose CHE. This prospective study aimed to develop a new shortened Stroop test that can detect CHE and predict overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) in Japanese patients with cirrhosis. Patients who underwent neuropsychological tests (NPT) and the Stroop test between November 2018 and December 2021 were enrolled and followed until OHE occurrence or March 2022. The discriminative ability of various run combinations in the off and on states to detect CHE was evaluated using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) and compared with that of the total Stroop test time. Among the 227 eligible patients, the On1-2Time cutoff value of 44.4s had a comparable discriminative ability with the total Stroop test time to detect CHE, with an AUC of 0.791, a sensitivity of 0.827, and a specificity of 0.685. During a median follow-up period of 16months, 37 patients developed OHE. On1-2Time ≥ 44.4s (hazard ratio [HR], 3.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36-11.36) and serum albumin levels (HR, 0.28; 95% CI 0.11-0.67) were independently associated with OHE occurrence. The shortened Stroop test (On1-2Time) is equivalent to the total Stroop test not only for identifying CHE but also for estimating the risk of progression to OHE.

Prevalence And Precipitating Factors Of Hepatic Encephalopathy In Patients With Liver Cirrhosis And Ascites Admitted At Korle Bu Teaching Hospital In Ghana

Background: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the most debilitating complications of cirrhosis leading to death and severely affects the lives of patients and their caregivers. Decreases in HE mortality and recurrence have been linked with timely identification and correction of potential precipitating factors and early treatment. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence and precipitating factors of patients with cirrhotic ascites admitted with overt hepatic encephalopathy at KBTH Accra, Ghana.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving one hundred and three (103) patients admitted at medical block in the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) with cirrhotic ascites from 25th March 2016 to 25th November, 2016. Demographic and clinical features including features of overt hepatic encephalopathy and possible precipitant were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Results: One hundred and three patients with cirrhotic ascites were recruited for the study with a mean age of 43.5 ± 12.2 years. Fifty-eight (56.3%) patients were males. The prevalence of hepatic encephalopathy was 25.24%. Precipitating factors were infections (53.8%),gastrointestinal bleeding (19.2%), electrolyte imbalance (9.2%) and constipation (3.9%). No precipitant was identified for one patient with hepatic encephalopathy.Conclusion: Prevalence of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites is not uncommon in our setting and precipitants were identified for almost all of them except one patient. A similar study should be done on a larger scale in multiple centres and regions to get a well-balanced prevalence of hepatic encephalopathy and its precipitating factors.

FRI492 - A network meta-analysis of numbers needed to treat to prevent an episode of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis treated for at least 6 months with lactulose alone, or lactulose plus rifaximin-alpha

FRI492 - A network meta-analysis of numbers needed to treat to prevent an episode of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis treated for at least 6 months with lactulose alone, or lactulose plus rifaximin-alpha

Handgrip strength stratifies the risk of covert and overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.

Handgrip strength (HGS) is a simple and convenient method to assess nutrition status in patients with cirrhosis. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the utility of HGS for predicting patients with covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) and patients at high risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). We reviewed 963 patients with cirrhosis and consequently enrolled eligible 270 patients. HGS was measured using a digital grip dynamometer. CHE was diagnosed using a computer-aided neuropsychiatric test. Factors associated with CHE were estimated using the logistic regression model. Predictors associated with OHE occurrence were analyzed using the Fine-Gray competing risk regression model. Of the 270 eligible patients, reduced HGS was observed in 102 (38%), reduced muscle mass in 107 (40%), and CHE in 53 (20%). Multivariate analysis showed that serum ammonia levels (odds ratio [OR], 2.23; 95% CI, 1.14-4.36; P = 0.014) and reduced HGS (OR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.93-7.03; P < 0.001) were independently associated with CHE. During the median follow-up period of 24.5 months, 43 (16%) patients experienced OHE. After adjusting for possible confounding factors, multivariate analysis showed that reduced HGS (subdistribution hazard ratio, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.27-4.38; P = 0.007) was a significant predictor in the development of OHE. Patients with reduced HGS had a higher prevalence of CHE and a higher risk for OHE occurrence than those with normal HGS. The measurement of HGS could be a simple bedside modality to stratify the patients' risk for CHE and OHE.

Development and Validation of a Clinical-Genetic Risk Score to Predict Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis.

We aimed to define the impact of the genetic background on overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with liver cirrhosis by developing a combined clinical-genetic risk score. Patients suffering from liver cirrhosis from the outpatient clinics of 4 hospitals (n = 600) were included and followed up for at least 5 years until HE bouts, liver transplant, or death. Patients were genotyped for 60 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms together with the microsatellite in the promoter region of the gene GLS. Single nucleotide polymorphisms rs601338 (FUT2), rs5743836 (TRL9), rs2562582 (SLC1A3), rs313853 (SLC1A5), and GLS microsatellite did predict independently the incidence and severity of overt HE and were included as genetic score. Competing risk analysis revealed that bilirubin (subhazard ratio [sHR] 1.30 [1.15-1.48], P < 0.001), albumin (sHR 0.90 [0.86-0.93], P < 0.001), genetic score (sHR 1.90 [1.57-2.30], P < 0.001), and previous episodes of overt HE (sHR 2.60 [1.57-4.29], P < 0.001) were independently associated to HE bouts during the follow-up with an internal (C-index 0.83) and external validation (C-index 0.74). Patients in the low-risk group had 5% and 12% risk of HE at 1 (log-rank 92.1; P < 0.001) and 5 (log-rank 124.1; P < 0.001) years, respectively, whereas 36% and 48% in the high-risk group. The genetic background influenced overt HE risk and severity. The clinical-genetic HE Risk score, which combined genetic background together with albumin, bilirubin, and previous episodes of overt HE, could be a useful tool to predict overt HE in patients with cirrhosis.

Retrospective analysis of risk factors of liver cirrhosis combined with overt hepatic encephalopathy: a single -center case-control study

Objective: To explore the risk factors of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: A retrospective study was designed. Patients with liver cirrhosis combined with /without OHE who were hospitalized to our hospital during the same period were selected as the case/control group. Clinical and laboratory data of both groups of patients were compared to analyze the risk factors affecting the occurrence of OHE. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. A t-test or rank-sum test was used to compare the measurement data. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability method was used to compare the count data. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 500 patients with liver cirrhosis diagnosed in our hospital from August 2017 to December 2018 were selected as the case group, and 40 cases with cirrhosis without OHE who were hospitalized during the same period were randomly selected as the control group. The gender composition and age of the case and control group were comparable. Viral hepatitis (mainly hepatitis B) was the main etiology of liver cirrhosis in both groups. There were 52.5% patients in the case group and 57.5% patients in the control group, respectively. Alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune liver disease and so on were the other included causes. With regard to blood biochemical indicators, the serum creatinine levels of both groups were comparable, but in the case group, the serum total bilirubin level was higher (34.30 μmol / L vs. 18.65 μ mol/L, Z = -3.185, P < 0.05), while the serum sodium level was lower (137.00 mmol/L vs. 140.08 mmol/L, Z = -2.348, P < 0.05), and the prothrombin time was longer (14.60 s vs. 12.20 s) s. 078, P < 0.05), and international normalized ratio (1.33 vs. 1.07, Z = - 5.632, P < 0.05), and serum albumin level (30.6 g/L vs. 35.6 g/L, t = 3.386, P < 0.05) was lower. In terms of complications, patients in the case group had a higher proportion of combined gastrointestinal bleeding (30.0% vs. 10.0%, χ(2) = 5.000, P < 0.05), ascites (87.5% vs. 30.0%, χ(2) = 27.286, P < 0.05) and secondary infection (32.5% vs. 10.0%, χ(2) = 7.813, P < 0.05). In terms of severity classification, the proportion of Child-Pugh C in the case group was higher (62.5% vs. 10.0%, χ(2) =26.593, P < 0.05). In terms of outcome, there were 3 deaths in the case group and no deaths in the control group. Multivariate analysis showed that Child-Pugh class C (OR = 12.696), and combined ascites (OR = 10.655) were an independent risk factor for OHE in patients with liver cirrhosis. Conclusion: Our single-center retrospective clinical study shows that patients with cirrhosis combined with OHE are more critical and have more complications. In order to promptly diagnose and treat OHE, more attention should be paid to patients with combined ascites and Child-Pugh class C.

Impact of non-selective ß-blockers on hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis

BackgroundNon-selective β-blockers (NSBB) are frequently used for the treatment of portal hypertension and gastroesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis; however prospective studies investigating the potential association between NSBB use and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are still scarce. We investigated the potential association between NSBB use and the presence of covert HE (CHE) as well as the development of overt HE (OHE). Methods224 patients with liver cirrhosis were included into this cohort study at two German centers and followed for a median of 364 days. CHE was diagnosed by pathological results in the PHES. Predictors for the presence of CHE or the development of OHE were analyzed using logistic-regression or cox-regression models. Results39% of patients were treated with NSBB and CHE was detected in 34% of patients at study inclusion. In logistic regression analysis, NSBB use, higher MELD score and a history of OHE were independently associated with the presence of CHE. Cumulative incidence of OHE was considerably higher in NSBB users than in non-users (p<0.001). In Cox-regression models NSBB use, presence of CHE, lower albumin and higher MELD score were independently associated with the development of OHE in the whole cohort as well as in the subgroup of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. NSBB use was independently associated with higher risk of mortality or need for liver transplantation in decompensated patients but not in the total cohort. ConclusionNSBB use seems to be associated with the presence of CHE as well as the development of OHE in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.

Incidence and Bedside Predictors of the First Episode of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Cirrhosis.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with marked increases in morbidity and mortality for patients with cirrhosis. We aimed to determine the risk of and predictors for HE in contemporary patients. We prospectively enrolled 294 subjects with Child A-B (70% Child A) cirrhosis and portal hypertension without previous HE from July 2016 to August 2018. The primary outcome was the development of overt HE (grade >2). We assessed the predictive power of model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) score, the Inhibitory Control Test, the Sickness Impact Profile score, and the Bilirubin-Albumin-Beta-Blocker-Statin score. We also derived a novel predictive model incorporating MELD-Na score, impact of cirrhosis on daily activity (Likert 1-9), frailty (chair-stands per 30 seconds), and health-related quality of life (Short-Form 8, 0-100). The cohort's median age was 60 years, 56% were men, and the median MELD-Na score was 9. During a follow-up of 548 ± 281 days, 62 (21%) had incident overt HE with 1-year probability of 14% ± 2%, 10% ± 2%, and 25% ± 5% for Child A and B. The best model for predicting the risk of overt HE included MELD-Na, Short-Form 8, impact on activity rating, and chair-stands within 30 seconds. This model-MELDNa-Actvity-Chairstands-Quality of Life Hepatic Encephalopathy Score-offered an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) for HE development at 12 months of 0.82 compared with 0.55, 0.61, 0.70, and 0.72 for the Inhibitory Control Test, Sickness Impact Profile, Bilirubin-Albumin-Beta-Blocker-Statin, and MELD-Na, respectively. The AUROC for HE-related hospitalization was 0.92. This study provides the incidence of HE in a well-characterized cohort of contemporary patients. Bedside measures such as activity, quality of life, and physical function accurately stratified the patient's risk for overt HE.

Lactulose withdrawal can potentiate breakthrough overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients controlled with rifaximin plus lactulose therapy: a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Lactulose withdrawal can potentiate breakthrough overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients controlled with rifaximin plus lactulose therapy: a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Association between diabetes mellitus and hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.

Diabetes mellitus may lead to increased serum ammonia and systemic inflammation thereby promoting hepatic encephalopathy (HE). To investigate the potential association between diabetes mellitus/glycaemic control and the presence of covert HE as well as the development of overt HE in a prospective setting. A total of 240 patients with liver cirrhosis were included into this prospective cohort study and followed for a median of 17 months. Covert HE was diagnosed by pathological results in the Portosystemic Hepatic Encephalopathy Score. Predictors for the presence of covert HE or the development of overt HE were analysed using logistic regression or Cox-regression models. At study inclusion, 65 patients (27.1%) presented with diabetes mellitus and covert HE was detected in 33.3%. Patients with diabetes mellitus had a more preserved liver function as compared to patients without diabetes mellitus (MELD 9 vs 10; P=0.043). In regression analyses after adjustment for confounders, diabetes mellitus was independently associated with the presence of covert HE at study inclusion and the development of overt HE during follow-up. These associations were confirmed in separate propensity-score-weighted regression models. In subgroup analyses, patients with worse glycaemic control (HbA1c >= 6.5%) had a pronounced risk for covert HE (OR 2.264, 95% CI 1.002-5.118) and overt HE (HR 4.116, 95% CI 1.791-9.459). Diabetes mellitus may associate with higher risk for the presence of covert HE and the development of overt HE in patients with liver cirrhosis. Adequate glycaemic control may be a potential target to attenuate this important complication.