Efficacy of Albumin for Acute Encephalopathy in Patients With Cirrhosis

Hepatic encephalopathy is a frequent complication of cirrhosis that is usually associated with poor prognosis. The most common presentation is an acute episode of hepatic encephalopathy precipitated by factors that increase the exposure of the brain to ammonia. Current therapies are based on measures that decrease plasma ammonia and counteract the effect of factors such as infection or electrolyte's disturbances. Brain edema and abnormalities of cerebral blood flow appear to be important. Part of the impairment of astrocyte function could be related to an increase of oxidative stress injury.

In patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy, the concentration of albumin in plasma is usually low. Administration of human albumin in patients with hepatorenal syndrome and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis has a major impact on the prognosis of these complications. Albumin prevents circulatory dysfunction and renal failure. The mechanisms of action may include the maintenance of oncotic pressure and a scavenger effect of toxic substances present in blood. Albumin has also shown beneficial effects in neurological injury secondary to stroke, probably in relation to this scavenger effect.

The administration of intravenous albumin to patients with hepatic encephalopathy may have beneficial effects on the course of encephalopathy.

Inclusion criteria

• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Hepatic encephalopathy stage>1
• Completion of a standardized protocol to investigate precipitating factors
• Informed consent by next of keen

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnancy
• Terminal liver disease (advanced liver disease and performance status 3-4 prior to the episode of acute encephalopathy)
• Need of advanced life support (mechanical ventilation, ionotropic support, dialysis)
• Need of albumin administration (e.g. bacterial spontaneous peritonitis)
• Contraindication for albumin administration (e.g. cardiac failure)