Mullen Kevin D., Prakash Ravi K. (eds.) Hepatic Encephalopathy

Springer, 2012. — 251 p.The roles of ammonia, neural inflammation, general inflammation, oxidative stress, and endogenous benzodiazepines in the pathogenesis of HE are discussed by the leading authorities in these areas. This is followed by chapters on the diagnosis of overt and covert (or minimal) HE followed by EEG changes and brain imaging seen in HE. The treatment section features the long-standing nonabsorbable disaccharides for the treatment of HE. Antibiotic treatment is discussed as well as the newer agent ornithine phenylacetate. We intended to have Gerald Kircheis contribute a chapter on l-ornithine l-aspartate treatment, but he was incapacitated by a signi fi cant medical problem which precluded his participation. The last section of special topics features a hodgepodge of interesting topics within the field of HE.