Retrospective Evaluation of the Effect of Ammonia Levels on Mortality in Patients With Hepatic Encephalopathy Applying to the Emergency Department

Abstract

Objective: Hepatic encephalopathy is a cognitive, motor and behavioral disorder caused by the accumulation of liver metabolism products accompanying hepatic failure. The clinical picture of hepatic encephalopathy appears with the accumulation of metabolites such as ammonia and gamma aminobutyric acid. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of blood ammonia levels on mortality in patients diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy. Material and Methods: The records of patients who were admitted to the emergency department of our hospital with impaired consciousness, known chronic liver disease, and whose ammonia levels were studied between January 01 2015 and December 31 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Liver function tests and coagulation tests of the patients were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups as with and without hepatic encephalopathy. The groups were divided into stages according to the West Haven classification. Liver function tests and coagulation tests of the two groups were compared according to ammonia level, disease stage and mortality.