Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la Encefalopatía Hepática

Abstract

Hepatic encephalopathy is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome seen with great frequency in patients with chronic liver cirrhosis. The main aspect in its pathophysiology is the access from portal blood to the systemic circulation. This causes the brain's exposure to high concentrations of toxic substances (especially ammonia) which cause changes in astrocytes and defects in neurotransmission. The diagnosis is established by demonstrating compatible neurological, signs of liver disease and having ruled out other neurological diseases that can cause similar manifestations. The management of hepatic encephalopathy is based on maintaining and minimizing medical complications of patients with liver cirrhosis and correcting precipitating factors. Currently, they are researching a series of molecules that affect the metabolism of ammonia and could play a role in therapy such as lactulose and L-Ornithine and L-aspartate INTRODUCCION