Mária Szántová
Hepatic encephalopathy is a serious complication of acute and chronic liver diseases, that compels to consider the need of liver transplantation. The article presents its definition, classification, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Etiopathogenesis of this neuropsychiatric syndrome is multifactorial. For the diagnosis establishment the usefull clinical signs are: asterixis, foetor hepaticus and behavior´s changes. Another useful methods are: number connection test, EEG, evoked potentials, especially P 300 or cerebral MRI. In the treatment is necessary treatment of precipitating factors, diet with preference of herbal proteins. Lactulose is the treatment of the first choice. If it is ineffective, local antibiotics (rifampicin, neomycin) are used. Prognosis is unfavourable. Liver transplantation is the causal treatment.