Opposite effects of sleep deprivation on the continuous reaction times in patients with liver cirrhosis and normal persons

摘要: The continuous reaction times (CRT) method describes arousal functions. Reaction time instability in a patient with liver disease indicates covert hepatic encephalopathy (cHE). effects of sleep deprivation are unknown although cirrhosis patients frequently suffer from disorders. aim this study was to determine if influences the CRT test. Eighteen and 27 healthy persons were tested when rested after one night’s deprivation. filled out validated quality questionnaires. Seven (38 %) had unstable (a CRTindex < 1.9) compatible cHE. In these patients, wakefulness improved or normalized their speed (p = 0.01). There no change other patients’ stability. reported poor that not related tests before participants, slowed by 11 % 0.0001) 7 (25 destabilized them. acute stability below 1.9 effect above 1.9. relation between results. Thus, disturbances do lead ‘falsely’ times. contrast, participants. This may have negative consequences for decision-making.