Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a covert form of hepatic encephalopathy associated with cognitive and psychomotor impairment in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis. Early detection of MHE is crucial to prevent progression to overt encephalopathy. The Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) is a validated neuropsychological test battery for diagnosing MHE. This study aims to screen for MHE among compensated cirrhotic patients using PHES and to compare performance with healthy matched controls.
Age 18-70 years.
Diagnosed compensated liver cirrhosis, regardless of etiology.
Able to read and write.
Adequate vision, hearing, and physical ability to perform the PHES tests.
Chronic liver disease.
Neuropsychiatric illness.
Use of psychoactive medications.
Illiteracy.