Gastroenterology · UKMLA & AKT
Hepatic encephalopathy
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise hepatic encephalopathy — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
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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