DETERMINATION OF VARIOUS PRECIPITATING FACTORS OF HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY IN PATIENTS OF CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE AT MILITARY HOSPITAL RAWALPINDI

Abstract

Objective: To analyse the various precipitating factors of hepatic encephalopathy.
Design: A single centre, retrospective study.
Place and duration of study: Military Hospital Rawalpindi from July 2009 to April 2010
Methods: One hundred and fifty admitted patients with hepatic encephalopathy were probed into for different precipitating factors, based on history, clinical examination and laboratory methods.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: Constipation is the most common precipitating factor followed by upper gastrointestinal bleeding and infections.