title: [Assessment of the course of chronic hepatic encephalopathy. Comparison of various measurements with special reference to the trail-making test].
abstract: In eight patients with hepatic cirrhosis and chronic hepatic encephalopathy stage I and II the following measurements were performed in parallel on 58 occasions over eight months: number connection test, time-linked orientation, presence of liver flap, arithmetical test, handwriting sample, electroencephalogram, and venous blood ammonia level. The number connection test correlated significantly with all other parameters apart from the ammonia level. The number connection test had the highest correlation coefficient. The electroencephalogram showed a significant but only weak correlation with each of the other parameters. Results of the arithmetical test, time-linked orientation and handwriting correlated significantly with each other and with the other tests with the exception of the ammonia level. In contrast to the EEG multiple linear correlation of all parameters allowed accurate prediction of the early stage of chronic hepatic encephalopathy if the number of connection test is taken as the measure of the stage. The number of connection test is easy to perform and shows accurate reproducibility. It gives a value as to the severity of onsetting chronic hepatic encephalopathy which is independent of the tester.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000641:Ammonia / Q000097:blood; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014145:Trail Making Test; D014202:Tremor / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D000641:Ammonia
vernacular_title: Verlaufsbeurteilung der chronischen hepatischen Enzephalopathie. Vergleich verschiedener Messgrössen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Zahlenverbindungstests.