Episode 23- The ammonia level: what is it good for?

Should we be using ammonia levels to diagnose, determine the severity, or monitor the resolution of hepatic encephalopathy?

References:

Ninan J, Feldman L. Ammonia levels and hepatic encephalopathy in patients with known chronic liver disease. J Hosp Med. 2017 (8): 659-661

Gundling F, Zelihic E, Seidl H, et al. How to diagnose hepatic encephalopathy in the emergency department. Ann Hepatol. 2013; 12(1): 108-114

Ong JP, Aggarwal A, Krieger D, et al. Correlation between ammonia levels and the severity of hepatic encephalopathy. Am J Med. 2003; 114(3): 188-193

Disclaimer: 
The information contained within the  ER-Rx podcast episodes, errxpodcast.com, and the @errxpodcast Instagram page is for informational/ educational purposes only, is not meant to replace professional medical judgement, and does not constitute a provider-patient relationship between you and the authors. Information contained herein may be accidentally inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated, and users are to use caution,  seek medical advice from a licensed physician,  and consult available resources prior to any medical decision making. The contributors of the ER-Rx podcast are not affiliated with, nor do they speak on behalf of,  any medical institutions, educational facilities, or other healthcare programs.