In patients with cirrhosis, BMI (SHR 0.93; 95% CI 0.89–0.98; p = 0.004), varices (SHR 2.14; 95% CI 1.31–3.48; p = 0.002), MELD score (SHR 1.06; 95% CI 1.03–1.10; p < 0.001), serum albumin (SHR 0.61; 95% CI 0.44–0.84; p = 0.003), and ammonia levels (SHR 1.01; 95% CI 1.00–1.01; p < 0.001) were identified as independent factors for OHE development. The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is Cirrhosis.