A neuropsychiatric syndrome caused by disease of the LIVER, and occurring most often in patients with CIRRHOSIS – see also LIVER, DISEASES OF; it also occurs in acute form in acute failure of liver function. The disorder is believed to be the result of biochemical disturbance of brain function, because the condition is reversible and pathological changes in brain tissue are rarely found. The patient’s intellect, personality, emotions and consciousness are altered but neurological signs may or may not be identi?ed. Apathy, confusion, drowsiness, sometimes CONVULSIONS, speech disturbance and eventually COMA mark the progress of the condition. The principles of treatment are to remove the precipitating causes. These include: URAEMIA; sedative, antidepressant and hypnotic drugs; gastrointestinal bleeding; too much protein in the diet; infection; and trauma (including surgical operations).... hepatic encephalopathy
The common liver fluke. In tropical regions this species is replaced by F. gigantica. Like all trematodes, their intermediate hosts are aquatic snails. Infection occurs when the infective metacercariae are ingested on vegetation in swampy areas. Normal final (definitive) hosts are sheep, cattle and various wild animal species. Humans can acquire fascioliasis if they eat contamiated water cress etc.... fasciola hepatica
n. a surgical operation in which a temporary or permanent opening is made into the hepatic duct, the main duct carrying bile from the liver.... hepaticostomy
one of several short veins originating within the lobes of the liver as small branches, which unite to form the hepatic veins. These lead directly to the inferior vena cava, draining blood from the liver.... hepatic vein
Health Encyclopedia