[Management of hepatic encephalopathy: A general review]

Hepatic encephalopathy is a severe complication with high mortality in patients with hepatopathy and/or portosystemic shunts, partly due to the presence of hyperammonemia because of defective hepatic detoxification. Diagnosis is essentially clinical, characterized by various neuropsychiatric symptoms, possibly associated with hyperammonemia. Complementary tests, such as electroencephalogram to identify metabolic encephalopathy, or specific abnormalities on cerebral magnetic resonance imagery, may also support the diagnosis. Management is essentially based on treatment of triggering factors such as ionic disorders or sepsis, and symptomatic therapy with non-absorbable disaccharides (notably lactulose) or polyethylene glycol, possibly combined with rifaximin. Progression varies according to the initial severity and management of hepatic encephalopathy, but this condition is potentially reversible with treatment.