Immune Profile, Neuronal Dysfunction, Metabolomics and Ammonia in Therapeutic Response of HE in ACLF

Plain-language summary

There is very little data related to the natural history of disease from covert HE (MHE and grade 1 HE) to overt HE (grades II, III and IV) in ACLF, with implications on long-term neurological recovery after an episode of overt HE. The evolution and pathogenesis of HE is well described in ALF and cirrhosis, but the dynamic changes in HE in ACLF in response to therapy such as ammonia reduction measures, antibiotics to target sepsis and inflammation, measures to alter dysbiosis such as probiotics or fecal microbiota transplant, and measures to target immune dysfunction such as steroids in alcohol-associated hepatitis. The central role of ammonia in the pathogenesis of HE in ACLF has been challenged by recent data. The approach to HE in ACLF has now refocused on systemic and neuro-inflammation, gut dysbiosis, immune dysregulation, and multi-omics approach. Most importantly, the modulation of the metabolome in response to therapy and interventions, and the use of sedatives, paralytic agents, antibiotics etc. in ACLF with HE in a real-world setting has not been reported.

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