Persistent or incident hyperammonemia is associated with poor outcomes in acute decompensation and acute-on-chronic liver failure.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aim

The effect of elevated ammonia on organ failures (OF), apart from hepatic encephalopathy, in patients with acute decompensation (AD) of cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is unclear. We aimed to assess the effect of persistent or incident hyperammonemia on OF and outcomes in patients with AD and ACLF.

Methods

A total of 229 patients with ACLF and 83 with AD were included. Arterial ammonia was measured on day 1 and day 3 of admission. Persistent or incident hyperammonemia was defined as a level of ≥79.5 μmol/L on day 3. The changes in ammonia levels during the first 3 days were analyzed with respect to the complications and outcomes.

Results

At admission, the median level of arterial ammonia was higher in ACLF compared to AD patients

SUBMITTER: Shalimar 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7578315 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature