Neuropathy Is Common in End-Stage Liver Disease

Few studies have focused on neuropathy complicating severe hepatic failure. In this study, investigators evaluated somatic and autonomic nerve function in 42 patients with end-stage hepatic failure. The causes of liver failure were diverse, but the most common were viral hepatitis (45%) and alcoholic cirrhosis (26%). Patients underwent autonomic and electrophysiologic studies. No clinical information or assessment of severity of the physiologic abnormalities was reported.

Neuropathy was more common in this cohort than has been reported in previously studied patients: The researchers found abnormalities on at least one measure of autonomic function in 76% of patients, mainly affecting cardiovascular function. No patient had postural hypotensi…