Effect of Lactulose on Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy and Health-Related Quality of Life
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2004-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) has a negative effect on patients' daily functioning. No
study has so far investigated the effect of treatment related improvement in cognitive
functions on health related quality-of-life (HRQOL). This study was carried out to determine
the influence of treatment on psychomotor performance and on HRQOL in patients with MHE.
The mean number of abnormal NP tests decreased significantly in patients in treated group
compared with patients in untreated group MANOVA for time and treatment, P =.001). Mean total
SIP score improved among patients in the treated group after 3 months compared with patients
in untreated group after 3 months (MANOVA for time and treatment, P=.002). Improvement in
HRQOL was related to the improvement in psychometry. In conclusion, treatment with lactulose
improves both cognitive functions and HRQOL in cirrhotic patients with MHE.
Phase:
Phase 4
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research