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What Causes Hepatic Encephalopathy After Liver Transplantation?

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Posted on Thu, 21 Jan 2016
Question: liver transplant list for 8 years..avg. meld 16-19, too many encephiology episodes. Am I losing brain cells?
will I ever be the same? is there besides enulose and xiflaxion? help me please. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Prevention of precipitating factors.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

First is necessary to explain more in details your symptoms related to encephalopathy, in order to evaluate correctly if there is really hepatic encephalopathy and what stage is it.

Stages of hepatic encephalopathy range from short attention span to coma.

Lactulose (enulose) helps in reducing blood levels of ammonia that are thought to cause the encephalopathy.

If there were episodes of hepatic encephalopathy diagnosed, then, to prevent other episodes it is necessary to treat precipitating factors.

These include dehydration, use of sedative drugs, electrolytes imbalances, kidneys failure, high protein intake, infection etc.

So, there is need for regular follow up and tests to monitor these conditions and, if necessary, correction of any imbalances.

It is necessary also to follow a low proteins diet and to avoid use of sedative drugs.

Final treatment of hepatic encephalopathy is the treatment of liver condition even by transplanting if needed.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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What Causes Hepatic Encephalopathy After Liver Transplantation?

Brief Answer: Prevention of precipitating factors. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. First is necessary to explain more in details your symptoms related to encephalopathy, in order to evaluate correctly if there is really hepatic encephalopathy and what stage is it. Stages of hepatic encephalopathy range from short attention span to coma. Lactulose (enulose) helps in reducing blood levels of ammonia that are thought to cause the encephalopathy. If there were episodes of hepatic encephalopathy diagnosed, then, to prevent other episodes it is necessary to treat precipitating factors. These include dehydration, use of sedative drugs, electrolytes imbalances, kidneys failure, high protein intake, infection etc. So, there is need for regular follow up and tests to monitor these conditions and, if necessary, correction of any imbalances. It is necessary also to follow a low proteins diet and to avoid use of sedative drugs. Final treatment of hepatic encephalopathy is the treatment of liver condition even by transplanting if needed. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care.