Hepatic coma is a condition of severe end-stage liver dysfunction that is accompanied by unresponsiveness (coma). It is often a feature of hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatic coma occurs as a complication of viral hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Certain products which are absorbed and not metabolized or detoxified by the liver due to its malfunctioning, reach the brain and cause changes in the brain resulting in hepatic coma.
This occurs due to acute hepato cellular failure after viral hepatitis or alcoholic hepatitis. Other causes are –
Increase in circulating blood ammonia which crosses the blood – brain barrier and enters the brain.
Mental changes
Flapping tremors
Odour of breath (fetid breath)
Abnormal Electro encephalogram (EEG)
Hemorrhages occur due to the decreased synthesis of coagulation factors by the liver. Hypoglycemia occurs due to depleted glycogen stores and inability of the liver to produce glucose from amino acids.
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