Pechenochnaya coma – Hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic Encephalopathy (Encephalopathy, Hepatic; Portal-Systemic Encephalopathy; Encephalopathy, Portal-Systemic)

Description of hepatic coma

Hepatic encephalopathy – a problem with the brain, which is caused by liver disease. The problem could be temporary or permanent. The most common hepatic coma causes cirrhosis.

Causes of hepatic coma

Diseased liver can not properly filter the harmful elements, enters the bloodstream. These toxins accumulate in the blood, then reach the brain and affect its ability to function properly.

Risk factors of hepatic coma

Factors, which can increase the risk of hepatic coma include:

• Certain diseases, which affect the levels of fluid and electrolytes, such as hyponatremia and hyperkalemia;
• Renal failure;
• Infection;
• Gastrointestinal bleeding;
• Some medications, such as sedatives and anti-epileptics;
• Constipation;
• Cirrhosis;
• Hepatitis – infectious and autoimmune.

The symptoms of hepatic coma

In the early stages of hepatic coma symptoms can be invisible. When the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Changes in behavior;
• Shortened attention span;
• Depression or anxiety;
• Insomnia;
• Fatigue;
• Forgetfulness;
• Disorientation;
• Gibberish;
• Tremor, especially hand tremor;
• Confusion;
• Loss of consciousness.

If you have liver problems and any of the above symptoms, consult a doctor.

Diagnosis of hepatic coma

This disease can be dangerous to health and the cause of an emergency. Maybe, you need to be hospitalized. Doctors will do a survey, to assess the condition of the nervous system.

To assess the condition of the liver and kidney doctor may prescribe:

• Liver function tests;
• Kidney function tests;
• Taking pictures of the liver.

Your doctor may also order tests to assess the activity of the brain and nervous system:

• The pictures of the brain using MRI or CT;
• EEG, to study the brain activity to look encephalopathy and / or convulsions;
• Poyasnichnaya puncture, to look for other causes of encephalopathy.

Treatment of hepatic coma

Hospitalization and emergency medical services

First aid will be aimed at addressing the causes of hepatic coma. If possible, Toxins, found in blood, They are removed or neutralized.

Medications for the treatment of hepatic coma

Drugs may be used, that:

• Neutralize toxins in the gut, such as ammonia;
• To prevent the release of ammonia by intestinal bacteria;
• Remove the blood from the intestines;
• To reduce ammonia production by intestinal bacteria;
• Cure disease, is the cause of encephalopathy;
• Zoom relapse.

Dietary restrictions

The doctor can recommend to amend the diet. For delivery of nutrients may be required tube feeding, especially in the case of coma.

Roasted transplant

If hepatic coma is associated with hepatic insufficiency, It may require a liver transplant.

Prevention of hepatic coma

To reduce the risk of hepatic coma:

• Start early treatment of liver problems;
• If you have the disease, such as liver cirrhosis, See your doctor regularly;
• Follow your doctor's instructions with regard to medication. Avoid them overdose;
• Avoid exposure to poisons or toxins;
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption;
• Do not use intravenous drugs.