Tapper EB, et al. - Using demographic, clinical, laboratory, and pharmacy data, a population-based cohort of all patients with cirrhosis without baseline hepatic encephalopathy (HE) (n = 1,979) from the Veterans Administration from Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio (January 1, 2005-December 31, 2010) was studied to develop a tool to risk-stratify patients for HE development. Results of this study suggested that patients with cirrhosis could be stratified by a simple risk score for HE that accounts for changing clinical data. In addition, the data highlighted a role for statins in decreasing cirrhosis complications including HE. Higher bilirubin and nonselective beta-blocker use were included risk factors for HE, while higher albumin and statin use were protective. It was noted that other clinical factors, including opiate and benzodiazepine use, were not predictive.