Hepatic encephalopathy: From novel pathogenesis mechanism to emerging treatments

Abstract

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the major complications of liver disease and significantly affects the quality of life (QOL) of patients. HE is common and frequently relapses in cirrhotic patients. The management of hepatic encephalopathy is supportive, and precipitating conditions should be eliminated. Most drugs used to treat HE are conventional, and include nonabsorbable disaccharides such as lactulose, and antibiotics such as rifaximin. However, their therapeutic efficacy is still suboptimal and novel therapeutic agents are urgently needed. In addition, the optimal management and diagnosis of minimal HE/covert HE are under debate. In this review, we focus on novel pathogenetic mechanisms such as central nervous system clearance and emerging therapeutic targets of HE such as fecal material transplantation. We also discuss different classifications and etiologies of HE.