Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Hyperammonemia, or high ammonia levels, is a metabolic disturbance characterised by an excess of ammonia in the blood. Severe hyperammonemia is a dangerous condition that may lead to brain injury and death. It may be primary or secondary. Ammonia is a substance that contains nitrogen. It is a product of the catabolism of protein.
The underlying mechanism is believed to involve the buildup of ammonia in the blood, a substance that is normally removed by the liver. [2] The diagnosis is typically based on symptoms after ruling out other potential causes. [2] [6] It may be supported by blood ammonia levels, an electroencephalogram, or computer tomography (CT scan) of the ...
Treatment generally includes supportive care including pain management and possibly diuretics. [5] In those with severe disease due to a bone marrow transplant, defibrotide is a proposed treatment. [6] It has been approved for use in severe cases in Europe and the United States. [7] [8] A placebo controlled trial, however, has not been done as ...
In ALF, hepatic encephalopathy leads to cerebral edema, coma, brain herniation, and eventually death. Detection of encephalopathy is central to the diagnosis of ALF. It may vary from subtle deficit in higher brain function (e.g. mood, concentration in grade I) to deep coma (grade IV). Patients presenting as acute and hyperacute liver failure ...
Changes to diet and nutritional supplements may help some people. In severe cases, dialysis or organ replacement surgery may be needed. [citation needed] Sympathomimetic drugs can increase motivation, cognition, motor performance and alertness in persons with encephalopathy caused by brain injury, chronic infections, strokes, brain tumors. [10]
Cirrhosis, also known as liver cirrhosis or hepatic cirrhosis, chronic liver failure or chronic hepatic failure and end-stage liver disease, is an acute condition of the liver in which the normal functioning tissue, or parenchyma, is replaced with scar tissue and regenerative nodules as a result of chronic liver disease.
Reye syndrome is a rapidly worsening brain disease. [2] Symptoms of Reye syndrome may include vomiting , personality changes, confusion, seizures , and loss of consciousness . [ 1 ] While liver toxicity typically occurs in the syndrome, jaundice usually does not. [ 2 ]
Cirrhosis is the formation of fibrous tissue in the place of liver cells that have died due to a variety of causes, including viral hepatitis, alcohol overconsumption, and other forms of liver toxicity. Cirrhosis causes chronic liver failure. [15]