Study Of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy In Patients With Cirrhosis Of Liver

Abstract

Introduction: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) affects 30-80% of the patients with cirrhosis, and it is suggested that despite no recognizable clinical symptoms of neurological abnormalities it may cause cognitive deficits. The aim of our study was to diagnose the patients of MHE in cirrhosis of liver patients without any overt signs of neurological abnormalities. Methodology: Patients with liver cirrhosis were selected independent of the etiology of the disease. Detailed history and clinical examination was done. Psychometric tests were applied to evaluate the presence of MHE in the form of NCT-A (number connection test-A) and DST (digit symbol test). Test scores were compared with the normal values of corresponding age group normal values. Results: 100 patients were included with a mean age of 49.24 years. Prevalence of MHE was 54% (n = 54). Significant deterioration in the test scores corresponding to Child-Pugh class and MELD score was also observed. Conclusion: The presence of MHE in apparently normal individuals is confirmed by our results. This also shows the need to screen all apparently normal cirrhotic patients with such tests.