Efficacy of Rifaximin in Treatment of Hepatic Encephalopathy

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of rifaximin vs control group in addition to lactulose for
treatment of hepatic encephalopathy with constipat
Methods: A total 100 patients were enrolled in this study. After taking an informed consent the
demographic data was collected. Patients were well informed regarding the treatment and its
possible effect. The patients were examined for the confirmation of hepatic encephalopathy with
constipation. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A received additional
rifaximin with lactulose and Group B received only lactulose. The treatment was continued for four
months and then patients were observed.
Results: In our study, 18%(n=9) in Group-A and 24%(n=12) in Group-B were between 18-30
years of age while 82%(n=41) in Group-Aand 76%(n=38) in Group-B were between 31-60 years
of age, mean±sd was calculated as 47.7±10.44 and 46.1±10.77 years respectively. Comparison
of efficacy in both groups shows 68%(n=34) in Group-A and 58%(n=29) in Group-B while
32%(n=16) in Group-Aand 42%(n=21) in Group-B had no findings of efficacy.
Conclusion: We concluded that the efficacy of rifaximin is significantly better when compared to
control group in addition to lactulose for treatment of hepatic encephalopathy with constipation