EU policymakers have been urged to do more to tackle a little-known disease called hepatic encephalopathy, a brain dysfunction and complication of liver cirrhosis.

The demand coincides with publication a report which highlights the "significant burden" of hepatic encephalopathy on patients, their carers, families and society.

The launch took place in the European Parliament in an event hosted by UK MEP Anneliese Dodds and the European Liver Patients Association (ELPA).

It was designed to raise awareness of hepatic encephalopathy, a potentially life-threatening neuropsychiatric condition associated with liver disease.

Hepatic encephalopathy remains underdiagnosed and under-treated, resulting in poor quality of life for patients and a high burden on those who care for them, the event was told.

The report, called Time to DeLiver: Getting a Grip on HE, was authored by clinical and patient association experts from across Europe.

It highlights ten "calls to action" which are said to be "critical" to improve the identification, treatment and management of hepatic encephalopathy.

Tatjana Reic, President of ELPA said, “This report represents a very important milestone in the treatment of this debilitating condition, which affects thousands of people in Europe each year.

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