Question 1

What is Hepatic Encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

Hepatic encephalopathy is a serious decline in brain function caused by severe liver disease. It occurs when the liver cannot adequately remove ammonia and other toxins from the bloodstream, allowing them to accumulate and damage brain tissue. The Ammonia Plasma test is the most important test for diagnosing this condition.

Question 2

What causes hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

Hepatic encephalopathy is caused by severe liver disease that prevents the liver from filtering toxins, particularly ammonia, from the bloodstream. Common underlying conditions include cirrhosis, hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and acute liver failure from drug toxicity or infections. When the liver fails to function properly, ammonia and other neurotoxins accumulate in the blood, cross the blood-brain barrier, and interfere with normal brain function, leading to confusion, altered consciousness, and potentially life-threatening complications.

Question 3

What is the best test for hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

The Ammonia Plasma test is the most important test for hepatic encephalopathy because it directly measures the level of ammonia in your blood, which is the primary toxin responsible for brain dysfunction in this condition. Elevated ammonia levels strongly correlate with the severity of symptoms like confusion, disorientation, and altered mental status. The BasoFunction HRT Acetaminophen test is also essential when drug-induced liver failure is suspected, as it evaluates acetaminophen toxicity and liver damage markers. Together, these tests help confirm the diagnosis and identify the underlying cause of liver failure.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have known liver disease and develop confusion, personality changes, forgetfulness, or slurred speech. Testing is also critical if you experience tremors, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, or unexplained mood changes, especially with a history of cirrhosis, hepatitis, or heavy alcohol use. Anyone who has taken large amounts of acetaminophen or has suspected liver damage should seek immediate testing, as early detection can prevent severe brain damage and improve treatment outcomes.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy range from mild confusion and forgetfulness to severe disorientation and coma. Early signs include difficulty concentrating, personality changes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and mild confusion. As the condition progresses, you might experience slurred speech, hand tremors known as asterixis or flapping tremor, inappropriate behavior, and severe drowsiness. In advanced stages, symptoms can include profound confusion, inability to perform mental tasks, extreme lethargy, and loss of consciousness requiring immediate emergency care.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

People with cirrhosis from any cause are at highest risk for hepatic encephalopathy, particularly those with advanced liver disease. Others at risk include individuals with chronic hepatitis B or C, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and those who have taken toxic doses of acetaminophen or other liver-damaging medications. Additional risk factors include gastrointestinal bleeding, infections, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and the use of certain medications like sedatives or diuretics that can trigger episodes in people with underlying liver disease.

Question 7

What happens if hepatic encephalopathy is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hepatic encephalopathy can progress rapidly from mild confusion to life-threatening coma and death. As toxins continue to accumulate in the brain, permanent neurological damage can occur, affecting memory, cognitive function, and motor skills. Severe cases can lead to cerebral edema or brain swelling, seizures, respiratory failure, and multi-organ failure. Even after recovery, repeated episodes can cause lasting brain damage and significantly reduce quality of life, making early diagnosis and treatment essential for preventing irreversible complications.

Question 8

Can hepatic encephalopathy be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hepatic encephalopathy can be diagnosed with blood tests that measure ammonia levels and assess liver function. The Ammonia Plasma test is the primary diagnostic tool that reveals elevated ammonia concentrations in the bloodstream, which directly correlate with the severity of brain dysfunction. Additional blood tests evaluate liver enzymes, bilirubin, albumin, and clotting factors to assess overall liver health and function. While blood tests are essential for diagnosis, healthcare providers also consider clinical symptoms, mental status examinations, and medical history to make a complete diagnosis and determine the best treatment approach.

Question 9

How is hepatic encephalopathy treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for hepatic encephalopathy focuses on reducing ammonia levels and addressing the underlying liver disease. Lactulose is commonly prescribed to help eliminate ammonia through the digestive system, while antibiotics like rifaximin reduce ammonia-producing bacteria in the gut. Your healthcare provider will also treat any triggers such as infections, gastrointestinal bleeding, or electrolyte imbalances. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for intravenous medications and intensive monitoring. Long-term management includes dietary protein adjustments, avoiding alcohol and toxic medications, and in end-stage liver disease, evaluation for liver transplantation.

Question 10

How can I prevent hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

Preventing hepatic encephalopathy involves protecting your liver health and managing existing liver disease. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy weight to prevent fatty liver disease, and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. If you have liver disease, take prescribed medications as directed, attend regular medical appointments, and monitor for early signs of complications. Avoid acetaminophen overdoses by following dosing instructions carefully, and inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you take. Eating a balanced diet with appropriate protein levels and treating infections promptly can also reduce your risk of developing this condition.

Question 11

What can I do at home for hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

If you have been diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy, take prescribed lactulose regularly to help eliminate ammonia and prevent episodes. Monitor your mental status daily and keep a journal of any confusion, mood changes, or sleep disturbances to share with your doctor. Eat small, frequent meals with appropriate protein from plant sources rather than large amounts of meat, and stay well-hydrated. Avoid alcohol, over-the-counter pain relievers containing acetaminophen, and sedatives that can worsen symptoms. Have a family member or friend help monitor your condition, as you may not recognize changes in your mental state, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Question 12

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Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

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Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Hepatic Encephalopathy Blood Test

What is Hepatic Encephalopathy?

What causes hepatic encephalopathy?

What is the best test for hepatic encephalopathy?

When should I get tested for hepatic encephalopathy?

References

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