Hepatic coma

Hepatic Coma

Hepatic coma (pronunciation: /hɪˈpatɪk ˈkoʊmə/) is a severe stage of hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that occurs due to severe liver disease. The term "hepatic" is derived from the Greek word "hepar" meaning liver, and "coma" from the Greek word "koma" meaning deep sleep.

Definition

Hepatic coma is a loss of consciousness that can occur in severe cases of acute or chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. It is characterized by a decline in brain function due to the liver's inability to remove toxins from the blood.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hepatic coma can include confusion, disorientation, drowsiness, and eventually loss of consciousness. Other symptoms may include jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, and ascites, an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.

Causes

The primary cause of hepatic coma is severe liver disease, which can result in the liver's inability to remove toxins from the blood. This can lead to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, which can affect brain function and lead to a hepatic coma. Other causes can include alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis, and certain medications.

Treatment

Treatment for hepatic coma typically involves treating the underlying liver disease and managing symptoms. This can include medications to reduce the level of toxins in the blood, and in severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Related Terms

• Hepatic Encephalopathy
• Liver Disease
• Cirrhosis
• Hepatitis
• Jaundice
• Ascites
• Liver Transplant

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Hepatic coma
• Wikipedia's article - Hepatic coma

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