Ammonia levels do not aid management of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients

(Medical University of South Carolina) Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a reversible complication of liver cirrhosis thought to be caused by ammonia and is typically treated with lactulose. Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina conducted a cohort study that examined the correlation of ammonia levels with lactulose treatment. They found no correlation between ammonia level and dose of lactulose given. They concluded that ammonia levels are not helpful for clinicians in the management of HE in cirrhotic patients.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news