title: Electrophysiological study in patients with chronic hepatic insufficiency.
abstract: Twenty patients affected by chronic hepatic insufficiency were studied by means of combined EEG, VEP and BAEP recordings. Subjects were classified, according to Parsons-Smith criteria, in grade 0 (without any clinical sign) and grade I (with minimal mental disturbances). In group 0 patients an elevated incidence of VEP alterations (40%) was observed, while EEG and BAEP recordings were less frequently (10%) abnormal. In group I patients a high degree of EEG (60%), VEP (70%) and BAEP (70%) abnormalities was found. Mean latency and interpeak interval values in group I patients were significantly prolonged if compared with the grade 0 and control groups. No correlations were found between electrophysiological data and blood biochemical parameters examined (ammoniemia, aminoacidemic pattern).
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005072:Evoked Potentials, Auditory; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual; D005260:Female; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology