Hepatic encephalopathy: classification and treatment

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major complication of liver disease that has a multi-faceted pathophysiology.1 It is associated with a substantial burden to the individual, their caregivers, society and the overall healthcare system. The emergence of HE as a leading cause of re-admissions, mortality and psychosocial impairment in cirrhosis should be a rallying cry to improve its management.2 The current demographic trend towards an aging population makes diagnosis challenging and increases the burden of HE, since most older patients are not liver transplant candidates.