What are the causes and symptoms of liver encephalopathy?

The cause of hepatic coma is unknown, but the condition is frequently associated with the following conditions:

• Acute or chronic liver disease
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Azotemia, the accumulation of nitrogen-containing compounds (such as urea) in the blood
• Inherited disorders that disrupt the process by which nitrogen is decomposed and excreted
• The use of shunts (devices implanted in the body to redirect the flow of fluid from one vessel to another)
• Electrolyte imbalances, including low levels of potassium (hypokalemia) and abnormally alkaline blood pH (alkalosis). These imbalances may result from the overuse of sedatives, analgesics, or diuretics; reduced levels of oxygen (hypoxia), or withdrawal of excessive amounts of body fluid (hypovolemia)
• Constipation, which may increase the body's nitrogen load
• Surgery
• Infection
• Acute liver disease.

Binge drinking and acute infection are common causes of hepatic coma in patients with long-standing liver disease.

Symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy range from almost unnoticeable changes in personality, energy levels, and thinking patterns to deep coma.

Inability to reproduce a star or other simple design (apraxia) and deterioration of handwriting are common symptoms of early encephalopathy. Decreased brain function can also cause inappropriate behavior, lack of interest in personal grooming, mood swings, and uncharacteristically poor judgment.

The patient may be less alert than usual and develop new sleep patterns. Movement and speech may be slow and labored.

As the disease progresses, patients become confused, drowsy, and disoriented. The breath and urine acquires a sweet, musky odor. The hands shake, the outstretched arms flap (asterixis or "liver flap"), and the patient may lapse into unconsciousness. As coma deepens, reflexes may be heightened (hyperreflexia). The toes sometimes splay when the sole of the foot is stroked (Babinski reflex).

Agitation occasionally occurs in children and in adults who suddenly develop severe symptoms. Seizures are uncommon.