The crucial role of risk factors when dealing with hepatic Encephalopathy

Abstract

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common condition in patients with cirrhosis, representing the second most frequent cause of decompensation. Approximately 30-40% of patients with cirrhosis will experience overt HE during the clinical course of their illness. In most cases, it is possible to identify a precipitating or risk factor for HE. These are distinct concepts that play different roles in the development of this condition. While precipitating factors act acutely, risk factors are generally present over an extended period and contribute to the overall likelihood of developing HE. The two types of factors require different approaches, with risk factors being more susceptible to prevention. The aim of this review is to describe the most important risk factors (such as severity of liver disease, previous episode of HE, minimal/covert HE, spontaneous and iatrogenic shunt, malnutrition, chronic therapies, metabolic diseases) for the development of HE and how to prevent it.