Hepatic Encephalopathy Flashcards
1
Q
What is it?
A
When detoxification of ammonia through the urea cycle to urea fails, hyperammonia then occurs and has a toxic side effect on the CNS
2
Q
Presentation of hepatic encephalopathy?
A
Incoordination
Drowsiness
Coma
Death due to cerebral oedema
3
Q
Treatment?
A
Lactulose- when broke down in colon it acidifies the stool, converts ammonia to ammonium which is not absorbed
ABs- neomycin, rifamixin: suppress colonic flora and thus inhibit ammonia generation
