West Haven Criteria
West Haven Criteria
Clinical Grade
West Haven Grade:
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Select all criteria
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Defines criteria for the stages of hepatic encephalopathy.
Why Use
The West Haven Criteria allow providers to classify severity of encephalopathy, communicate clearly about a patient's level of consciousness, and trend changes in their mental status.
When to Use
Patients with known cirrhosis and prior hepatic encephalopathy. Patients with or without known cirrhosis but suspected liver disease and altered mental status.
Advice
Lactulose is a standard treatment for hepatic encephalopathy. Ammonia testing may be helpful diagnostically or trending levels. There should always be consideration to other causes of altered mental status in these patients, as they are at high risk for comorbidities including bleeding, infection, drug interactions, and electrolyte disturbances.