Altered response to oral glutamine challenge as prognostic factor for overt episodes in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy.

Background/aims: We assessed the usefulness of oral glutamine challenge (OGC) and minimal hepatic encephalopathy in evaluating risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients.

Methods: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) was inferred using neuro-psychological tests. Venous ammonia concentrations were measured pre- and post-60 min (NH(3)-60m) of a 10 g oral glutamine load.