What Is Hepatic Encephalopathy?
2. How Common Is Hepatic Encephalopathy?
Hepatic encephalopathy is rare, and there are less than 200,000 cases diagnosed each year in the United States. Its onset may be gradual or sudden. It often occurs in those who have acute or chronic liver disease. For this reason, more than 40% of those who have cirrhosis will likely develop hepatic encephalopathy at some point.
Hepatic encephalopathy affects males and females equally, and it can present in people of any age. However, it does not occur in people who do not have chronic or acute liver disease. It is estimated that between 24%-53% of individuals who have their livers bypassed by portosystemic shunts (without liver disease) develop hepatic encephalopathy.
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