title: Assessing and treating hepatic encephalopathy in the older patient.
abstract: Altered mental status (AMS) and confusion are common reasons older patients may be admitted to a hospital. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with confusion and AMS. The following case describes an older male presenting with confusion. The patient is treated for both a urinary tract infection and HE. The differential diagnosis for AMS is important for pharmacists to understand and evaluate to ensure appropriate treatment as well as rule out other medication-related causes of AMS. Managing patient compliance for the pharmacotherapy necessary to treat and prevent HE is particularly important to avoid future hospital admissions and complicated placements to an extended-care facility.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacotherapy, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, Utah.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nyman
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shane-McWhorter
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010595:Pharmacists