ABSTRACT
In this study, fifteen cirrhotics with hepatic encephalopathy and ten normal control persons were subjected to clinical examinations, abdominal sonography, blood biochemistry examination and blood lead determination. Both cirrhotics and cirrhotics with encephalopathy showed symptoms, physical signs and blood biochemistry changes pertinent with liver cirrhosis. Blood lead concentrations were significantly [P <0.05] higher in cirrhotics and cirrhotics with hepatic encephalopathy than in control persons. It was suggested that altered permeability of the blood-brain barrier may allow passage of lead into brain tissues contributing to the observed symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. Chronic liver disease may alter toxicokinetics of lead leading to impaired elimination. Elevated blood lead concentrations would favor the progress of infective liver disease through its immunosupressive effect