NEUROCOGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT ASSESSMENT IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY BILIARY CHOLANGITIS USING THE MINI-MENTAL STATE EXAMINATION IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Introduction and Objectives

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease that may also impact neurocognitive function, even in the absence of overt hepatic encephalopathy.

Evaluate the prevalence and severity of cognitive impairment in PBC patients using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a validated screening tool for cognitive status.

Materials and Methods

An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital between March and May 2025. A total of 24 adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PBC were included. Exclusion criteria were a history of overt or minimal hepatic encephalopathy, dementia, major psychiatric or neurological conditions, or active substance use. Variables assessed included sociodemographic data, comorbidities, and MMSE scores were collected. Scores were classified as normal (≥27), mild (24–26), moderate (20–23), or severe (<20) cognitive impairment. Descriptive statistics were applied, median and interquartile range for continuous variables, and absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 59.1 ± 10.7 years, 62.5% were women, the average education level was 12.1 ± 4.5 years. The mean MMSE score was 26.4 ± 2.8 (range: 18–30). Cognitive function was normal in 44% of patients, mildly impaired in 38%, moderately impaired in 14%, and severely impaired in 4%.

Conclusions

These findings reveal a high prevalence of neurocognitive impairment in patients with PBC, reinforcing the need for systematic cognitive screening. The MMSE may serve as a practical tool to guide early interventions that enhance patient outcomes and adherence.

Conflict of interest: None

MMSE Score Distribution	Frequency / Percentage
Total number of patients	24
Mean age (range)	59.1 ± 10.7 years (40–79)
Female sex	n=15 (62.5%)
Mean years of education	12.1 ± 4.5 years
Mean MMSE score (range)	26.4 ± 2.8 (18–30)
Normal (≥27)	n=11 (44%)
Mild (24–26)	n=9 (38%)
Moderate (20–23)	n=3 (14%)
Severe (<20)	n=1 (4%)