Objective: Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that develops secondary to liver failure and can be reversible. It is a severe and potentially fatal clinical condition. In this study, we aimed to identify the factors that facilitate the development of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver failure.

Material and Method: We retrospectively investigated predisposing factors in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (n =80) admitted to the Gastroenterology Clinic at Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital in 2011-2014. We sought to determine the predisposing factors using detailed clinical and laboratory findings.

Results: Fifty-six (70%) of the 80 patients enrolled had been previously diagnosed with chronic liver disease, while 24 (30%) patients were newly diagnosed. Infections, gastrointestinal bleeding and constipation were identifed as the most common predisposing factors for hepatic encephalopathy. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was detected most commonly in the infection group.

Conclusion: Hepatic encephalopathy is a clinical condition that is very difficult to treat and may sometimes be fatal. Precautionary measures based on a good knowledge of predisposing causes and ensuring that patients do not neglect the requisite treatment will therefore prevent a poor clinical course.