Precipitating factors of Hepatic Coma

Objective: The objective of this study was to: Find the age and gender distribution and frequency of preci-pitating factors of hepatic coma in chronic liver disease.Study Design: Comparative cross - sectional study.Material and Methods: In the Gastroenterology Unit and East Medical Ward KEMU. The study duration was one year and started in May 2005.Fifty cases of hepatic encephalopathy due to chronic liver disease were selected. It was probability sampling and random table was used. The complete record of the patients was maintained on the structured proforma. After informed consent all record was kept confidential.Results: Constipation, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and infection were the common precipitating factors. It was found that constipation was more in old age group (75%) and the difference was found significant (p 0.05). The upper gastrointestinal bleeding was found more in young group (44%) and this was found significant (p 0.05).Conclusions: The precipitating factors of hepatic encephalopathy should be early recogonized and awareness should be created. Lifestyle modifications like exercise, low fat diet, high fibre diet and active work should be encouraged to prevent constipation. Emergency endoscopic facilities should be made available