What are the causes and symptoms of liver encephalopathy?
The cause of hepatic coma is unknown, but the condition is frequently associated with the following conditions: • Acute or chronic liver disease • Gastrointestinal bleeding • Azotemia, the accumulation of nitrogen-containing compounds (such as urea) in the blood • Inherited disorders that disrupt the process by which nitrogen is decomposed and excreted • The use of shunts (devices implanted in the body to redirect the flow of fluid from one vessel to another) • Electrolyte imbalances, including low levels of potassium (hypokalemia) and abnormally alkaline blood pH (alkalosis). These imbalances may result from the overuse of sedatives, analgesics, or diuretics; reduced levels of oxygen (hypoxia), or withdrawal of excessive amounts of body fluid (hypovolemia) • Constipation, which may increase the body’s nitrogen load • Surgery • Infection • Acute liver disease. Binge drinking and acute infection are common causes of hepatic coma in patients with long-standing liver disease. Symptoms of
