RIFAXAMIN VS LACTULOSE

IN IMPROVING CIRRHOTIC PATIENTS WITH HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY

Abstract

Objectives: To compare Rifaxamin and Lactulose in improving the grades
of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with decompensated liver disease. Study design:
Randomized controlled trial comparing the use of rifaxamin and Lactulose. Place and duration
of study: 1st July 2014 to 30th June 2015 in Department of Medicine, Aziz Bhatti Shaheed
Teaching Hospital Gujarat. Results: 1st July 2014 to 30th June 2015 in medical department
of Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital Gujarat. Results: 400 cases were divided in two
equal groups: Group A took Rifaximin & Group B Lactulose. Improvement in grades of hepatic
encephalopathy were calculated on weekly bases. Monitoring was done by checking blood
ammonia levels, number connection tests, flapping tremors and mental status. 40 patients
(10%) did not stay in ward for one week. In ninety percent etiology of decompensated liver
disease was hepatitis C virus. Improvement was noted in 76.96% (n=137) in Group-A and
72.52% (n=132) in Group-B, p value was found insignificant (>0.05). Conclusions: Rifaximin
and lactulose had similar efficacy in the treatment of mild to moderate hepatic encephalopathy.