Secondary Prophylaxis of Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhosis
Status:
Unknown status
Trial end date:
2010-09-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a challenging complication of advanced liver disease, occurs in
approximately 30-45% of patients with cirrhosis. The treatment of choice is non-absorbable
disaccharides, such as lactulose and lactitol.Probiotics are effective in the treatment of
minimal hepatic encephalopathy which precipitates hepatic encephalopathy. The investigators
will assess the effects of lactulose and probiotics for the prevention of recurrence of HE
(secondary prophylaxis) in patients after the recovery of an episode of overt hepatic
encephalopathy.