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Gursky JM, Rossi KC, Jetté N, Dhamoon MS. Exacerbation of hepatic cirrhosis may trigger admission for epilepsy and status epilepticus. Epilepsia 2020; 61:400-407. [PMID: 31981220 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether acute exacerbations of cirrhotic liver disease are associated with higher odds of readmission for epilepsy or status epilepticus. METHODS The New York State Inpatient Database is a statewide dataset containing data on 97% of hospitalizations for New York State. In this retrospective, case-crossover design study, we used International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes to identify index status epilepticus and epilepsy admissions. The primary exposure was defined as admission due to an acute exacerbation of cirrhotic liver disease. The case-crossover analysis tested whether exposure to a hepatic exacerbation within progressively longer case periods (14, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days before index admission), compared to control periods 1 year before the case period, was associated with readmission for epilepsy or status epilepticus. RESULTS The odds ratio for subsequent admission for epilepsy after exposure to an acute exacerbation of cirrhotic liver disease was significant in the 30-day window at 2.072 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.095-3.92, P = .0252) and peaked in the 150-day window at 2.742 (95% CI = 1.817-4.137, P < .0001). In the status epilepticus group, all case periods demonstrated significantly elevated odds of subsequent admission following hepatic exacerbation. SIGNIFICANCE Hepatic exacerbations are associated with increased odds for hospital admissions for epilepsy and status epilepticus across several timeframes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Gursky
- Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Kyle C Rossi
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nathalie Jetté
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Mandip S Dhamoon
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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Newey CR, George P, Sarwal A, So N, Hantus S. Electro-Radiological Observations of Grade III/IV Hepatic Encephalopathy Patients with Seizures. Neurocrit Care 2019; 28:97-103. [PMID: 28791561 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-017-0435-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurological complications in liver failure are common. Often under-recognized neurological complications are seizures and status epilepticus. These may go unrecognized without continuous electroencephalography (CEEG). We highlight the observed electro-radiological changes in patients with grade III/IV hepatic encephalopathy (HE) found to have seizures and/or status epilepticus on CEEG and the associated neuroimaging. METHODS This study was a retrospective review of patients with West Haven grade III/IV HE and seizures/status epilepticus on CEEG. RESULTS Eleven patients were included. Alcohol was the most common cause of HE (54.5%). All patients were either stuporous/comatose. The most common CEEG pattern was diffuse slowing (100%) followed by generalized periodic discharges (GPDs; 36.4%) and lateralized periodic discharges (LPDs, 36.4%). The subtype of GPDs with triphasic morphology was only seen in 27.3%. All seizures and/or status epilepticus were without clinical signs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was available in six patients. Cortical hyperintensities on diffusion weighted imaging sequence were seen in all six patients. One patient had CEEG seizure concomitantly with the MRI. Seven patients died prior to discharge. CONCLUSION Seizures or status epilepticus in the setting of HE were without clinical findings and could go unrecognized without CEEG. The finding of cortical hyperintensity on MRI should lead to further evaluation for unrecognized seizure or status epilepticus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Newey
- Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. .,Neurological Institute, Cerebrovascular Center, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195-5245, USA.
| | - Pravin George
- Neurological Institute, Cerebrovascular Center, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195-5245, USA
| | - Aarti Sarwal
- Neurology and Critical Care (Anesthesia), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Reynolds M, Medical Center Blvd, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Norman So
- Neurological Institute, Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195-5245, USA
| | - Stephen Hantus
- Neurological Institute, Cerebrovascular Center, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195-5245, USA.,Neurological Institute, Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195-5245, USA
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Anand AC, Singh P. Neurological Recovery After Recovery From Acute Liver Failure: Is it Complete? J Clin Exp Hepatol 2019; 9:99-108. [PMID: 30765942 PMCID: PMC6363962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurologic dysfunction characterised by Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) and cerebral oedema are the most dramatic presentations of Acute Liver Failure (ALF) and signify poor outcome. Improved critical care and wider availability of emergency Liver Transplantation (LT) has improved survivability in ALF. In most cases absence of clinically overt encephalopathy after spontaneous recovery from ALF or after LT is thought to indicate complete neurologic recovery. Recent data suggests that neurologic recovery may not always be complete. Instances of persistent neurologic dysfunction as well as neuropsychiatric abnormalities are now being recognised and warrant active follow up of these patients. Although evidences irreversible neurologic damage is uncommon after ALF, neuropsychiatric disturbances are not uncommon. Complex pathogenesis is involved in neurocognitive disorders seen after many other conditions including LT that require critical care. Structural damage and persistent neurological abnormalities seen after ALF are more likely to be related to cerebral edema, raised intracranial tension and cerebral hypoxemia, while neurocognitive dysfunctions may be a part of a wider spectrum of disorders commonly seen among those who recover from any critical illness.
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Key Words
- ALF, Acute Liver Failure
- APAP, Acetaminophen
- BBB, Blood Brain Barrier
- CARS, Compensatory Anti-Inflammatory Response Syndrome
- CVVH, Continuous Veno-Venous Hemodialysis
- DAMPS, Damage Associated Molecular Pattern
- DWI, Diffusion-Weighted Imaging
- EEG, Electroencephalography
- FLAIR, Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery
- HE, Hepatic Encephalopathy
- LT, Liver Transplantation
- MPT, Mitochondrial Permeability Transition
- PET, Positron Emission Tomography
- SIRS, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
- acute liver failure
- cerebral oedema
- hepatic encephalopathy
- neurological dysfunction
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil C. Anand
- Address for correspondence: Anil C. Anand, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi 110076, India.
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Cohen BI. Letter to the editors: Infantile autism and the liver: a possible connection. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/1362361300004004010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brett I. Cohen
- Director of Research, ED Laboratories, 89 Leuning Street, South Hackensack, NJ 07606, USA
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Sureka B, Bansal K, Patidar Y, Rajesh S, Mukund A, Arora A. Neurologic Manifestations of Chronic Liver Disease and Liver Cirrhosis. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 2015; 44:449-61. [PMID: 25908229 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The normal functioning of brain is intimately as well as intricately interrelated with normal functioning of the liver. Liver plays a critical role of not only providing vital nutrients to the brain but also of detoxifying the splanchnic blood. Compromised liver function leads to insufficient detoxification thus allowing neurotoxins (such as ammonia, manganese, and other chemicals) to enter the cerebral circulation. In addition, portosystemic shunts, which are common accompaniments of advanced liver disease, facilitate free passage of neurotoxins into the cerebral circulation. The problem is compounded further by additional variables such as gastrointestinal tract bleeding, malnutrition, and concurrent renal failure, which are often associated with liver cirrhosis. Neurologic damage in chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis seems to be multifactorial primarily attributable to the following: brain accumulation of ammonia, manganese, and lactate; altered permeability of the blood-brain barrier; recruitment of monocytes after microglial activation; and neuroinflammation, that is, direct effects of circulating systemic proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor, IL-1β, and IL-6. Radiologist should be aware of the conundrum of neurologic complications that can be encountered in liver disease, which include hepatic encephalopathy, hepatocerebral degeneration, hepatic myelopathy, cirrhosis-related parkinsonism, cerebral infections, hemorrhage, and osmotic demyelination. In addition, neurologic complications can be exclusive to certain disorders, for example, Wilson disease, alcoholism (Wernicke encephalopathy, alcoholic cerebellar degeneration, Marchiafava-Bignami disease, etc). Radiologist should be aware of their varied clinical presentation and radiological appearances as the diagnosis is not always straightforward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binit Sureka
- Department of Radiology/Interventional Radiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Kalpana Bansal
- Department of Radiology/Interventional Radiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Yashwant Patidar
- Department of Radiology/Interventional Radiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - S Rajesh
- Department of Radiology/Interventional Radiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Amar Mukund
- Department of Radiology/Interventional Radiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Ankur Arora
- Department of Radiology/Interventional Radiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India.
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Abstract
Fulminant hepatic failure presents with a hepatic encephalopathy and may progress to coma and often brain death from cerebral edema. This natural progression in severe cases contributes to early mortality, but outcome can be good if liver transplantation is appropriately timed and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is managed. Neurologists and neurosurgeons have become more involved in these very challenging patients and are often asked to rapidly identify patients who are at risk of cerebral edema, to carefully select the patient population who will benefit from invasive ICP monitoring, to judge the correct time to start monitoring, to participate in treatment of cerebral edema, and to manage complications such as intracranial hemorrhage or seizures. This chapter summarizes the current multidisciplinary approach to fulminant hepatic failure and how to best bridge patients to emergency liver transplantation.
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de Broucker T. Semeiologia e orientamento diagnostico delle encefalopatie dell’adulto. Neurologia 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s1634-7072(11)70698-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Tanaka H, Ueda H, Kida Y, Hamagami H, Tsuji T, Ichinose M. Hepatic encephalopathy with status epileptics: A case report. World J Gastroenterol 2006; 12:1793-4. [PMID: 16586556 PMCID: PMC4124362 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i11.1793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A 62-year-old male with decompensated liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus developed severe hepatic encephalopathy with status epileptic us. The blood ammonia level on admission was more than twice the normal level. Brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were normal. In addition, electroencephalogram showed diffuse sharp waves, consistent with hepatic encephalopathy. The status epilepticus was resolved after antiepileptic therapy (phenytoin sodium) and treatment for hepatic encephalopathy (Branched chain amino acids). The blood ammonia level normalized with the clinical improvement and the patient did not have a recurrence of status epilepticus after the end of the antiepileptic treatment. Additionally, the electroencephalogram showed normal findings. Thus, we diagnosed the patient as hepatic encephalopathy with status epilepticus. We consider the status epilepticus of this patient to a rare and interesting finding in hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroto Tanaka
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama City 641-0015, Japan.
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Ficker DM, Westmoreland BF, Sharbrough FW. Epileptiform abnormalities in hepatic encephalopathy. J Clin Neurophysiol 1997; 14:230-4. [PMID: 9244163 DOI: 10.1097/00004691-199705000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epileptiform abnormalities are uncommon in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. A review of EEGs in patients with hepatic encephalopathy over a 10-year period identified 18 (15%) with epileptiform abnormalities. Thirteen patients had interictal discharges consisting of focal spike and sharp wave discharges, bilateral independent discharges, and generalized spike and wave discharges. A total of 10 patients had electrographic seizure discharges, focal in 6 and generalized in 5 (some patients had more than one abnormality). Twelve patients had clinical seizures, partial in four and generalized in eight. Neuroimaging failed to provide an etiology for the generation of epileptiform discharges in most patients, including those with focal abnormalities. Most patients with epileptiform discharges died or deteriorated. We conclude that epileptiform can be seen in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, and when present imply a poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Ficker
- Mayo Clinic Department of Neurology, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Norenberg MD, Itzhak Y, Bender AS. The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor and neurosteroids in hepatic encephalopathy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 1997; 420:95-111. [PMID: 9286429 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-5945-0_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Abstract
A child developed acute fulminant viral hepatitis and cerebral edema confirmed on postmortem examination. Clinical evidence of herniation, effacement of cortical sulci on computed tomography, and elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure preceded complicating terminal events, demonstrated that cerebral edema was associated with acute hepatic failure, rather than complicating factors, and led to the patient's death. The mechanism is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- G T Liu
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
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14
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Herbert A, Corbin D, Williams A, Thompson D, Buckels J, Elias E. Erythropoietic protoporphyria: unusual skin and neurological problems after liver transplantation. Gastroenterology 1991; 100:1753-7. [PMID: 2019380 DOI: 10.1016/0016-5085(91)90680-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The case of a woman with protoporphyria who developed liver failure and underwent liver transplantation is described. During the pretransplant episode of liver failure she developed quadriparesis that rapidly progressed after transplantation to a severe polyneuropathy. Following transplantation she also developed a second-degree burn of the light-exposed abdominal wall. The neuropathy resembled that observed in other forms of porphyria, and it is proposed that the extreme disturbance of protoporphyrin levels associated with protoporphyrin-induced liver failure caused this neuropathy. Such a neuropathy has not previously been described in protoporphyria. Erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels remain high and fecal levels normal, although results of liver tests are normal. She remains photosensitive, which emphasizes that although liver transplantation may be lifesaving in this disorder, it is not curative, and care must be taken to prevent photosensitive damage to skin and light-exposed internal organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Herbert
- Department of Neurology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, England
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Abstract
Reye syndrome is an acute non-inflammatory encephalopathy that can be precipitated by toxic, infective, metabolic or hypoxic upsets. The biochemical changes point to mitochondrial dysfunction and this is substantiated by structural changes in mitochondria on electron microscopy. The toxic metabolites that accumulate are similar to those incriminated in hepatic encephalopathy and other metabolic diseases. These metabolites exert their deleterious effects by direct neuronal damage, neurotransmitter blockade, vascular damage, cerebral oedema, hypoxic ischaemic damage, demyelination, retardation of brain growth and neuronal storage. Brain capillary endothelial cells are very rich in mitochondria and mitochondrial disorders can effect the central nervous system primarily, and not just as a consequence of systemic metabolic upset.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Brown
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Rothstein JD, Olasmaa M. Endogenous GABAergic modulators in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. Neurochem Res 1990; 15:193-7. [PMID: 2159124 DOI: 10.1007/bf00972209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Theories on the neurochemical etiology for hepatic encephalopathy have recently focussed on activation of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA systems. Modulators of the GABAA receptor complex, including diazepam binding inhibitor, are significantly and selectively altered in hepatic encephalopathy. In animals and humans, benzodiazepine receptor antagonists rapidly ameliorate this syndrome suggesting the possible existence of an endogenous benzodiazepine-like substance. Endogenous GABAergic modulators may contribute to the neurochemical pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Rothstein
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Neurology, Baltimore, MD 21205
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