Factors That Affect Results of Psychometric Tests to Identify Patients With Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy.

Of the clinical complications of cirrhosis, hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is the most devastating. HE is a spectrum of reversible cognitive changes ranging from minimal HE (MHE) (mild inattention and deficits of executive function) to overt HE (disorientation to coma). More than 40% of patients with cirrhosis develop HE, which increases mortality, falls, motor vehicle accidents, and has a significant psychosocial impact.1 Early recognition is crucial. Patients with cirrhosis are recommended to receive an assessment for MHE.2.