Spectrum of precipitating factors of hepatic encephalop athy in cirrhosis of liver

Cirrhosis is diffuse septal fibrosis of the liver, associated with regenerative parenchymal nodules and a disturbed intrahepatic circulation.Cirrhosis of liver is common chronic clinical entity, which has a variety of clinical manifestations and complications, some of which may be life threatening.About 30% of patients with cirrhosis die in hepatic coma. Appearance of HE in any patient is indicative of poor prognosis. Aim: To study the spectrum of precipitating factors of Hepatic Encephalopathy in cirrhosis of liver. Materials & Methods: The study was a prospective study carried out in patients admitted to Department of General medicine, from May 2022 to October 2022. A total of 50 patients presenting with hepatic encephalopathy were included in the study after satisfying the inclusion criteria and signing the informed consent forms. Results: A total of 50 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the study population was 52.68 years with standard deviation of 10.96 years. Majority (58%) belonged to the age group of 50 and above years. Alcohol (84%) was the most common etiological factor. The most common precipitating factors were dehydration (78%), use of diuretics (56%), SBP (38%), hypokalemia (36%), constipation (32%), hyponatremia (26%). Conclusion: The most common precipitating factors were dehydration (78%), use of diuretics (56%), SBP (38%), hypokalemia (36%), constipation (32%), hyponatremia (26%).