title: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy impairs quality of life.
abstract: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is the mildest form of the spectrum of neurocognitive impairment in cirrhosis. It is a frequent occurrence in patients of cirrhosis and is detectable only by specialized neurocognitive testing. MHE is a clinically significant disorder which impairs daily functioning, driving performance, work capability and learning ability. It also predisposes to the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy, increased falls and increased mortality. This results in impaired quality of life for the patient as well as significant social and economic burden for health providers and care givers. Early detection and treatment of MHE with ammonia lowering therapy can reverse MHE and improve quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
authors.forename: Swastik
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Agrawal
authors.affiliation: Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
authors.forename: Sridharan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Umapathy
authors.affiliation: Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
authors.forename: Radha K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Dhiman
keywords: CLDQ, Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire; CTP, Child-Turcotte-Pugh; HE, Hepatic encephalopathy; HRQOL, Health related quality of life; MHE, Minimal hepatic encephalopathy; NHP, Nottingham Health Profile; SIP, Sickness Impact Profile; ammonia lowering therapy; cirrhosis; neurocognitive testing