Gastroenterology · UKMLA & AKT
Hepatic encephalopathy
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- Gut bacteria break down dietary protein → NH3 absorbed into portal circulation → failed hepatic detoxification → systemic hyperammonaemia → crosses blood-brain barrier → astrocyte swelling → cerebral oedema
- Sepsis independently precipitates HE via neuroinflammation (amplifies astrocyte response to ammonia)
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