LONDON, March 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
A recent survey* commissioned by the British Liver Trust and Liver4Life supported with an unrestricted educational grant from Norgine, shows that out of 33 anonymous respondents, over half had been hospitalised, or seen their loved one hospitalised in the previous 12 months as a result of a hepatic encephalopathy episode. One in three had been hospitalised on multiple occasions, some even more than six times in one year. The average length of stay in hospital for most patients (70%) was up to 10 days. For some (12%) a typical hospital stay was equivalent to a month or more.[ 1]
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As hepatic encephalopathy affects patients in many different ways, spotting the symptoms can be challenging, but the survey points to some obvious tell-tale signs that should be looked out for. Erratic sleep patterns, forgetfulness and poor concentration were the most commonly reported symptoms, affecting at least 80% of patients. Personality or mood changes, memory loss, difficulty speaking or writing were also reported by more than half the respondents. Other symptoms were extreme anxiety, bizarre behaviour and seizures.
Consultant hepatologist, Dr Richard Aspinall, trustee and medical advisor to Liver4Life commented, "These findings really drive home the significant impact of HE on patients, families and the healthcare system. This is becoming worse as the incidence of liver disease and cirrhosis continues to grow," said. "The results are telling us that we have to get better at detecting and managing encephalopathy. It's vital that we raise awareness of the condition and improve access to effective therapy."
Dr Sharmila Kar, Medical Director UK & Republic of Ireland, Norgine commented, "Norgine is committed to improving the lives of patients suffering from this is serious and potentially life-threatening neuropsychiatric condition associated with liver disease that affects around 10,000 patient in the UK. Hepatic encephalopathy has the highest mortality rate of any complication of cirrhosis, yet has received little attention. This survey highlights the need to improve diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy as there is currently no cure apart from liver transplantation."
References
1. Norgine data on file 2015. Results of the 2014 survey of patients and carers with hepatic encephalopathy
See release on http://www.norgine.com For further information, contact: Charlotte Andrews +44(0)7714-061-485
