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Cognitive assessment in primary biliary cirrhosis: a case-control study
A Floreani1, M Marchiori, S Bonato
1Department of Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) patients show subtle cognitive deficits, particularly in orientation and memory, even without overt neurological signs. These early changes correlate with disease progression in PBC.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Neuropsychology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is often associated with patient-reported fatigue and memory issues.
- Routine neurological exams in PBC patients may not reveal cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess mental performance and conduct a neuropsychological evaluation in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.
- To identify early cognitive changes in PBC patients.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 36 PBC patients and 36 rheumatoid arthritis controls.
- Administration of a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests, including memory and cognitive function assessments.
- Exclusion of patients with overt signs of encephalopathy.
Main Results:
- PBC patients performed significantly worse on the Global Deterioration Scale and Clifton Assessment Schedule compared to controls.
- No significant differences were found in most cognitive tests between PBC and control groups.
- A negative correlation was observed between Blessed-Roth memory test scores and histological stage in PBC patients.
Conclusions:
- Global mental status is generally preserved in primary biliary cirrhosis.
- Early deficits in orientation and personal memory are detectable in cirrhotic stages of PBC.
- Neuropsychological assessment can identify subtle cognitive changes in PBC.