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Sørensen M, Lauridsen MM, Montagnese S. The social and psychological impact of hepatic encephalopathy. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:1227-1230. [PMID: 39009929 PMCID: PMC11349774 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-024-01384-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency with symptoms ranging from slight cognitive changes detectable only by neuropsychiatric testing to coma. Up to 60% of patients with cirrhosis have mild forms of HE and 35% will at some point experience overt HE. Even in its milder forms, HE impacts the patient's daily routines, self-sufficiency, quality of life, and, thereby, socio-economic status. HE is a condition affecting the whole household including formal and informal caregivers, who carry a heavy burden. Early identification, prophylaxis, and treatment of HE are essential for relieving patients and informal caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Sørensen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Viborg Regional Hospital, Viborg, Denmark.
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Mette Munk Lauridsen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Institute for Regional Health Research, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Sara Montagnese
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Chronobiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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Lv XH, Lu Q, Deng K, Yang JL, Yang L. Prevalence and Characteristics of Covert/Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:690-699. [PMID: 37856206 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Covert/minimal hepatic encephalopathy (C/MHE) is the mildest form of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), but it is closely related to the quality of life and prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. Currently, the epidemiological data of C/MHE have not been well described. METHODS We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant articles. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of proportions to estimate the pooled prevalence of C/MHE in patients with cirrhosis. We also examined potential risk factors for C/MHE by comparing characteristics of patients with and without C/MHE. RESULTS Finally, a total of 101 studies were included. The prevalence of C/MHE was 40.9% (95% confidence interval, 38.3%-43.5%) among patients with cirrhosis worldwide. The pooled C/MHE prevalence was 39.9% (95% confidence interval 36.7%-43.1%) based on studies using the psychometric HE score as a diagnostic tool. Meta-regression models showed that geographic region, sample size, mean age, sex ratio, and Child-Pugh classification were influencing factors for the heterogeneity of C/MHE prevalence. The presence of C/MHE was found to be associated with various factors including age, level of education, alcoholic etiology, Child-Pugh classification, MELD score, history of overt HE, presence of other complications, and laboratory tests related to impaired liver function. DISCUSSION This study reports detailed data on the prevalence of C/MHE as well as clinical features associated with C/MHE, suggesting that C/MHE is one of the most common complications of liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-He Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qing Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kai Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin-Lin Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Bellafante D, Gioia S, Faccioli J, Riggio O, Ridola L, Nardelli S. The Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy from Ward to Domiciliary Care: Current Evidence and Gray Areas. J Clin Med 2023; 13:166. [PMID: 38202173 PMCID: PMC10780160 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010166] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of advanced liver disease and acute liver failure. It is a condition that features several neuropsychiatric symptoms that affect mortality, morbidity and the quality of patients' and caregivers' lives. An HE diagnosis is generally an exclusion diagnosis. Once the patient is admitted to the hospital, clinical examination, blood tests and eventually neuroimaging should be performed with the aim of ruling out other causes of acute brain dysfunction. Moreover, HE is recognized using various precipitants that can potentially promote its onset, alone or in combination, and must be identified. Once the diagnostic process is complete, a correct treatment should be started. The anti-HE treatment is based on a combination of the correction of precipitants; non-absorbable antibiotics, such as rifaximin; and non-absorbable disaccharides. Once the patient is discharged from the hospital, specific anti-HE therapy should be maintained in order to prevent other HE episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Silvia Nardelli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.B.)
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Majid M, Yahya M, Ansah Owusu F, Bano S, Tariq T, Habib I, Kumar B, Kashif M, Varrassi G, Khatri M, Kumar S, Iqbal A, Khan AS. Challenges and Opportunities in Developing Tailored Pain Management Strategies for Liver Patients. Cureus 2023; 15:e50633. [PMID: 38226103 PMCID: PMC10789475 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50633] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver illnesses pose a substantial worldwide health challenge, with various causes that span from viral infections to metabolic problems. Individuals suffering from liver problems frequently face distinct difficulties in pain control, requiring a customized strategy that takes into account both the fundamental disease and the complexities of liver function. The liver, a vital organ responsible for metabolic control and detoxification, is pivotal in multiple physiological processes. Chronic liver illnesses, such as cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are marked by a gradual process of inflammation and fibrosis, resulting in reduced liver function. These disorders often come with pain, varying from internal discomfort to intense abdominal pain, which impacts the quality of life and general well-being of patients. The review explores the complex aspects of pain perception in liver illnesses, including inflammation, modified neuronal signaling, and the influence of comorbidities. It highlights the significance of a detailed comprehension of the pain experience in individuals with hepatic conditions for the implementation of successful pain management treatments. In addition, the review emphasizes the difficulties involved in treating pain in this group of patients, such as the possible complications linked to commonly prescribed pain relievers and the necessity for collaboration between hepatologists, pain specialists, and other healthcare professionals. Moreover, it examines new possibilities in the domain, such as the significance of innovative pharmacological substances, non-pharmacological treatments, and personalized medicine strategies designed for specific patient characteristics. This study thoroughly analyzes the difficulties and possibilities involved in creating personalized pain management approaches for individuals with liver conditions. Its purpose is to guide physicians, researchers, and healthcare providers, enabling them to implement more efficient and patient-focused interventions. As our comprehension of liver-related pain progresses, the potential for enhancing the quality of life for persons with chronic liver disorders through tailored pain management measures becomes more and more encouraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manahil Majid
- General Medicine, Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, GBR
| | - Muhammad Yahya
- Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, PAK
| | | | - Saira Bano
- Medicine, Faisalabad Medical College and University, Faisalabad, PAK
| | - Taha Tariq
- Medicine, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, PAK
| | - Iqra Habib
- Medicine, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Medical College, Mirpur, PAK
| | - Beesham Kumar
- Medicine, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, PAK
| | - Maham Kashif
- Medicine, Khawaja Muhammad Safdar Medical Collge, Sialkot, PAK
| | | | - Mahima Khatri
- Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Civil Hospital Karachi, Karachi, PAK
| | - Satesh Kumar
- Medicine, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College, Karachi, PAK
| | - Arham Iqbal
- Medicine and Surgery, Dow University of Health Sciences, Dow International Medical College, Karachi, PAK
| | - Alina S Khan
- Medicine, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, PAK
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