Hepatic Encephalopathy among Patients with Chronic Liver Disease Admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition that impairs the neurological and psychiatric function of a patient as a result of advanced liver disease or portosystemic shunt. Early detection and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy can lessen its severity, length of stay in the hospital and potential fatality. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of hepatic encephalopathy among patients with chronic liver disease admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine in a tertiary care centre. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among patients with chronic liver disease admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine in a tertiary care centre. Data from 1 October 2021 to 15 May 2023 were collected between 20 May 2023 and 30 May 2023 from the hospital records. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 808/2023). The diagnosis was made based on the history, clinical examinations, and gradings were done as per West Haven criteria. Convenience sampling was done. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. RESULTS: Among 389 patients with chronic liver disease, hepatic encephalopathy was seen in 40 (10.28%) (7.26-13.30, 95% Confidence Interval). The mean age of patients was 55.27±13.52 years. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hepatic encephalopathy among patients with chronic liver disease was lower than the studies conducted in similar settings.