gastroenterology hepatology
West Haven Criteria (Hepatic Encephalopathy Grade)
Grades severity of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) using the West Haven Criteria (Conn criteria). Guides treatment intensity and monitoring.
Used in: Liver Disease & Cirrhosis
Score interpretation
Minimal / Grade 1 HE
→ Lactulose; identify/treat precipitants; dietary advice; outpatient review
Grade 2 HE
→ Admit; lactulose; rifaximin; treat precipitants; nutrition support; close monitoring
Grade 3-4 HE
→ ICU consideration; airway protection; IV lactulose or enema; transplant assessment; treat precipitants aggressively
Interpretation bands for the West Haven / HE Grade. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Lactulose · Osmotic laxative / Ammonia reduction (hepatic encephalopathy)
- Lactulose (Hepatic Encephalopathy) · Osmotic Laxative / Ammonia-Reducing Agent
- Lactulose (Paediatric) · Osmotic Laxative — Constipation / Hepatic Encephalopathy
- Rifaximin · Non-Absorbable Antibiotic (Hepatic Encephalopathy / IBS-D)
- Dobutamine (Acute HF / Stress Echo) · Inotrope / Acute Heart Failure
- Milrinone · Inodilator / Acute Heart Failure
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.