The prognosis for patients with hepatic encephalopathy depends on the degree of hepatocellular failure. The prognosis is better if the cause is found and easily treated; the prognosis is also better for patients with good liver function, shunts and high protein intake; patients with ascites, jaundice and a tendency to bleed suggest poor liver function and their prognosis is also poor; the prognosis is worst for hepatic encephalopathy due to fulminant (acute) liver failure.