submit urlsubmit rss feedadd directoryphysician directoryDirectory of Mobile Health Sites

article

Hepatic encephalopathy is a complication of cirrhosis of the liver and its resultant portal hypertension, toxic substances accumulate in the blood and impair the function of brain cells. Signs can include impaired cognition, a flapping tremor (asterixis), and a decreased level of consciousness.

Pathogenesis


Cirrhosis will obstruct the passage of blood through the liver causing portal hypertension. This means it is difficult for blood from the intestines to go through the liver to get back to the heart. Portal-systemic anastamoses ("shunts") develop, and portal blood (from the intestinal veins) will bypass the liver and return to the heart via another route without undergoing first-pass detoxification by the liver. Furthermore, the liver (damaged from the cirrhosis) will not be functioning as well as it should be, so blood that does travel through the liver may not be as detoxified as it otherwise would be.

The toxic substances involved are not well understood, but have been thought to include ammonia (NH3) and mercaptans. Ammonia is normally converted to urea by the liver and, as with mercaptans, is produced by the bacterial breakdown of protein in the intestines.

More on [ Hepatic encephalopathy ]


directory of related categories

 
directory of related topics

Liver :: Digestive Disorders

 
Hepatic_Encephalopathy RSS feed
Hepatic Encephalopathy - Twitter Search

Sorafenib-Induced Hepatic Encephalopathy (December): http://bit.ly/i4dIu
theannals (The Annals) Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:41:59 -0000
Sorafenib-Induced Hepatic Encephalopathy (December): http://bit.ly/i4dIu

 
Subscribe to Hepatic_Encephalopathy RSS feed

directory of related sites

Treatment for Encephalopathy - Explains what it is; evaluation; treatments, including medications and diet changes; and links to additional information.

Family Practice Notebook: Hepatic Encephalopathy - Offers participating factors, pathophysiology, symptoms and signs, diagnosis and management.
Meta Description: [ Gastroenterology: Malabsorption: Celiac Sprue ]

Hepatic Encephalopathy - Section of GI textbook, provides definition, causes, and treatments. Tables include grading scale and common causes by type.

MedlinePlus: Hepatic Encephalopathy - Illustrated article that discusses the causes, signs and symptoms, treatment, and complications.

Merck Manual: Liver Encephalopathy - Describes how this condition occurs, common symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and treatments.

Hepatic_Encephalopathy related videos
Hepatic encephalopathy and data on new management options
Hepatic_Encephalopathy related videos

 

HOMEADVERTISINGABOUT US

articlesartsbusinesscomputersgameshealthhospitalshomekids & teensnewsmobilephysiciansrecreationreferenceregionalscienceshoppingsocietysportsworld


Submit a Site About Become an Editor