Neuropathy as an extrahepatic manifestation of chronic liver diseases

Abstract

Gastrointestinal motor disturbances and various cardiovascular symptoms are the characteristic features of autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic and sensory neuropathy has been described in chronic alcoholic liver diseases. Cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests as the gold standard for autonomic neuropathy and measuring of thresholds for constant current electric sine wave stimulation by neurometer were used for measuring sensory neuropathy in patients with chronic liver diseases of different etiology. Autonomic and sensory neuropathy was also observed in non-alcoholic liver diseases. We proved that there is a correlation between autonomic neuropathy and prolongation of corrected QT interval in chronic liver diseases. We claim that autonomic neuropathy may have a role to play in the development of hyperdynamic circulation and portal hypertension in chronic liver diseases.