Hepatic encephalopathy
MONDO:0001711Hepatic encephalopathy is a syndrome observed in some patients with cirrhosis. It is defined as a spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities in patients with liver dysfunction, when other known brain disease has been excluded.Signs and symptomsmay be debilitating, and they can begin mildly and gradually, or occur suddenly and severely. They may includepersonality or moodchanges, intellectual impairment, abnormal movements,a depressed level of consciousness, and other symptoms.There are several theories regarding the exact cause, butdevelopment of the condition isprobablyat least partiallydue to the effect of substances that are toxic to nerve tissue (neurotoxic), which are typically present with liver damage and/or liver disease. Treatment depends upon the severity of mental status changes and upon the certainty of the diagnosis.
Also known as: portal-systemic encephalopathy, Hepatoencephalopathy, encephalopathy, hepatic
38 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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Broader categories
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New trial aims to stop stomach bleeding before it starts
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether treating enlarged stomach veins (gastric varices) early with a procedure called retrograde transvenous obliteration (RTO) can prevent dangerous bleeding. 68 adults with cirrhosis and gastric varices will be randomly assigned to either RTO or standard care…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 04, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Could a common supplement help liver patients in intensive care?
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis study looks at whether adding L-carnitine, a natural substance, to standard care can improve outcomes for critically ill adults with liver disease in the ICU. About 58 participants with conditions like liver failure or severe infections will be enrolled. Researchers will tra…
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: Beni-Suef University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:07 UTC
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New stent technique could reduce deadly rebleeding in liver cirrhosis
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis study compares a new procedure using a special stent (underdilated VCX-TIPS) with standard treatment (endoscopic banding plus beta-blockers) to prevent variceal rebleeding in people with cirrhosis. The new approach uses a smaller balloon to expand the stent, aiming to lower …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: West China Hospital • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:33 UTC
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Pig liver trial offers temporary lifeline for liver failure patients
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis early-stage study tests a genetically-modified pig liver used outside the body to temporarily take over liver functions for people with acute-on-chronic liver failure. About 20 adults who are not eligible for a transplant will receive this treatment for a short time. The goa…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: eGenesis, INC • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:31 UTC
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New procedure aims to stop Liver-Related confusion by blocking rogue blood vessels
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis study tests a new procedure that uses an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) to guide coils and glue into abnormal blood vessels in the liver. The goal is to block these vessels and reduce severe confusion (hepatic encephalopathy) in people with liver cirrhosis. The trial …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:24 UTC
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Poop pills may stop brain fog in liver patients
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether a fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) from healthy donors can prevent severe confusion (hepatic encephalopathy) in 40 patients who still get episodes despite standard drugs after a liver shunt procedure (TIPS). Participants receive either FMT or a placebo, …
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: Air Force Military Medical University, China • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:10 UTC
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New MRI scan could spare liver patients from painful needle procedure
Diagnosis Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether a special 4D-flow MRI can accurately measure blood flow and pressure in the liver without needing an invasive catheter. Researchers will enroll 60 adults with cirrhosis and compare MRI results to the standard pressure test. If it works, this could make di…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:03 UTC
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Dietary intervention aims to stop brain fog in liver disease patients
Prevention Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether a personalized nutritional plan can prevent a serious brain condition called hepatic encephalopathy in people with liver cirrhosis who undergo a TIPS procedure. The trial will enroll 50 malnourished patients and compare the personalized diet to standard c…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre • Aim: Prevention
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:05 UTC
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Gut bacteria capsules may stop liver-related brain fog in veterans
Prevention Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether capsules containing gut microbes from healthy people can prevent future episodes of hepatic encephalopathy (a brain condition caused by liver problems) in 162 veterans with cirrhosis. Participants will take the capsules and be monitored for hospital visit…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development • Aim: Prevention
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:07 UTC
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Could a common bile acid pill prevent brain fog after liver surgery?
Prevention Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether adding a bile acid pill (UDCA) to standard treatment can prevent a serious brain condition called hepatic encephalopathy after a liver procedure (TIPS). About 270 adults with cirrhosis will be randomly assigned to receive either UDCA plus lactulose or lac…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: West China Hospital • Aim: Prevention
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:03 UTC
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New study aims to uncover hidden brain complications in liver patients
Knowledge-focused Not yet recruitingThis study looks at hepatic encephalopathy, a brain complication from liver cirrhosis that can cause memory loss and confusion. Researchers will follow over 700 liver cirrhosis patients and 120 healthy volunteers in China for up to 3 years. Participants use a simple phone app to …
Sponsor: The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 UTC
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Simple test could catch silent brain fog in liver disease
Knowledge-focused Not yet recruitingThis study looks at a thinking and coordination test called PHES to find early, hidden brain problems in people with stable liver cirrhosis. About 150 patients and some healthy volunteers will take the test. The goal is to see how well the test catches these issues before they ge…
Sponsor: Sohag University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:03 UTC
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Scientists hunt for clues in gut and blood to spot hidden brain trouble in liver patients
Knowledge-focused Not yet recruitingThis study looks at differences in proteins and gut bacteria between liver cirrhosis patients with and without hepatic encephalopathy (a brain complication). Researchers will analyze blood and stool samples from 32 adults to find unique patterns that could help diagnose and under…
Sponsor: The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:51 UTC