Do you frequently encounter asterixis in patients with UTI associated encephalopathy?
The most frequently taught cause of asterixis is hepatopathy and of course hepatic encephalopathy, and has other close associations (ie, uremia), I have frequently noted this exam finding in cases of UTI-associated encephalopathy; more frequently in elderly females with pyuria/UTI with normal LFTs/NH3 and w/o AKI or uremia. Is there literature to support this and/or other clinicians who have seen an association in this particular clinical setting with asterixis exam finding?
2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Neurology · Stony Brook University School of Medicine
Answered on
Yes. The teaching that asterixis is only associated with hepatic encephalopathy is definitely false. The major metabolic triad that is associated with asterixis include liver failure, kidney failure (uremia), and hypercarbia. But don't forget toxic causes! Lots of medications (including AEDs) can co...
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Mednet Member
Neurology · Chicago Movement.
Answered on
Keep in mind that negative myoclonus and positive myoclonus mean the same thing clinically. Do the encephalopathic workup (toxic/metabolic/infectious) for either finding.
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