Rifaximin plus lactulose versus lactulose alone for reducing the risk of HE recurrence

Hepatol Commun. 2024 May 10;8(6):e0436. doi: 10.1097/HC9.0000000000000436. eCollection 2024 Jun 1.

Abstract

Background: The aim was to examine rifaximin plus lactulose efficacy in patients with cirrhosis at a risk of developing overt HE who were stratified by important baseline characteristics such as comorbid ascites or diabetes.

Methods: Pooled post hoc subgroup analysis of adults receiving rifaximin 550 mg twice daily plus lactulose or lactulose alone for 6 months in a phase 3 randomized, double-blind trial and a phase 4 open-label trial was conducted.

Results and conclusion: Rifaximin plus lactulose was more efficacious than lactulose alone for reducing the risk of overt HE recurrence and HE-related hospitalization in adults grouped by select baseline disease characteristics.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Clinical Trial, Phase IV

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Therapy, Combination*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Gastrointestinal Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy* / drug therapy
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Lactulose* / administration & dosage
  • Lactulose* / therapeutic use
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications
  • Liver Cirrhosis / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence*
  • Rifaximin* / administration & dosage
  • Rifaximin* / therapeutic use
  • Secondary Prevention / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Rifaximin
  • Lactulose
  • Gastrointestinal Agents