Evidence-Based Bedside Management of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy: From Guidelines to Clinical Practice

Overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) is a defining decompensation event in liver cirrhosis, associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and high readmission rates. For the bedside clinician, managing OHE presents a complex diagnostic and investigative challenge that extends well beyond the simple administration of laxatives. This review synthesizes core recommendations from the 2022 EASL and the recent 2026 ACG guidelines to provide a structured, evidence-based framework for acute inpatient management. We emphasize that OHE diagnosis remains a clinical endeavor, where serum ammonia is valuable primarily for its high negative predictive value rather than as a confirmatory biomarker. Successful resolution hinges on a proactive ‘detective approach’ to identify and correct precipitating factors—such as infections, gastrointestinal bleeding, and iatrogenic dehydration—which drive clinical deterioration. Furthermore, we highlight the critical role of the ‘four pillars’ of management, including structured discharge planning, caregiver education, and nutritional support to ensure effective secondary prophylaxis. By bridging the gap between the latest international clinical consensus and bedside practice, this review provides essential strategies to optimize OHE management, minimize recurrence, and ultimately reduce the healthcare burden of this pleomorphic syndrome.