Milan Boča, Milan Vyskočil
Hepatic encephalopathy is a severe complication of the developed liver disease, mostly in liver cirrhosis. Present knowledge of complicated mechanisms of the pathogenesis, focusing on nowadays most accepted effect of ammonia is described. The crucial factor for developement of encephalopathy is an impairment of detoxification function of the liver leading to increased levels of ammonia in the circulation and the brain. Acknowledged classification of hepatic encephalopathy is mentioned, as well as the clinical picture and the algorythm of diagnostics. The treatment of hepatic encephalopathy is discussed thoroughly, focusing on practical use in everyday practice, the influence of probiotics treatment to hepatic encephalopathy is also discussed.