Prediction of Post-TIPS Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

Prediction of Post-TIPS Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

Prediction of hepatic encephalopathy after insertion of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (post-TIPS HE) are critical for patient selection prior to TIPS insertion, and a currently unmet, clinically highly relevant need. In this prospective multicenter observational cohort study, the investigators aim to evaluate the ability of Stroop EncephalApp and the simplified Animal Naming Test (S-ANT1) in comparison to the goldstandard PHES to predict the occurence of post-TIPS HE in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. Moreover, secondary aims of this study include the detection of potential blood based biomarkers for prediction of post-TIPS HE and the predictive value of frailty and quality of life/sleep prior to TIPS insertion.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Liver cirrhosis (clinical, sonographic, CT-morphological, laparoscopic or histological)
• TIPS indication: refractory ascites or secondary prophylaxis after variceal bleeding
• Age ≥ 18 years
• Ability to give consent
• Consent to the study after comprehensive information

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindication against TIPS insertion
• Lack of consent
• History of liver transplantation
• Preemptive TIPS
• Emergency TIPS
• Severe neurological comorbidities