Patient's question:
Why can gastrointestinal bleeding lead to hepatic encephalopathy? That's what I want to know why gastrointestinal bleeding can lead to hepatic encephalopathy. Because the doctor said I almost got hepatic encephalopathy, I want to ask what is the principle behind this? Why can this cause it?Doctor's answer:
Hello, based on the situation you described: The main principle leading to hepatic encephalopathy is ammonia poisoning. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding causes blood to enter the digestive system, producing ammonia gas. Excessive ammonia enters the intestines and is metabolized into the bloodstream. When it passes through the blood-brain barrier, it induces hepatic coma, also known as hepatic encephalopathy. In fact, upper gastrointestinal bleeding leading to hepatic encephalopathy is also based on the fact that you already have liver disease.