Determination of various precipitating factors of hepatic encephalopathy in patients of chronic liver disease at military hospital Rawalpindi

ABSTRACT

To analyse the various precipitating factors of hepatic encephalopathy. A single centre, retrospective study. Military Hospital Rawalpindi from July 2009 to April 2010 One hundred and fifty admitted patients with hepatic encephalopathy were probed into for different precipitating factors, based on history, clinical examination and laboratory methods. Sixty two percent were female and 38% were male patients. The mean age of the patients was 57 years, with a range of 30-85 years. Evidence of Hepatitis C virus was detected in 141[94%] patients while in 9[6%] patients HBV was detected. Constipation was present in 42.7%, gastrointestinal bleeding in 37.3%, infections in 12%, use of sedatives 2.7%, surgery 2.7%, while hypokalemia and excess protein diet were seen in 1.3% of the total patients. Constipation is the most common precipitating factor followed by upper gastrointestinal bleeding and infections