Probiotic yogurt for the treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy

Efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: a metaanalysis

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy.

METHODS: PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese Journals Full-text Database, Chinese Biomedical Database and Wan Fang Digital Journal Full-text database were searched to retrieve randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 4.3.

RESULTS: Nine randomized controlled trials were included. Compared to the control group, probiotics significantly decreased serum ammonia (SMD = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.25-1.71, P = 0.008), endotoxin (SMD = 1.03, 95%CI: 0.65-1.42, P < 0.00001) and ALT (WMD = 11.72, 95%CI: 5.57-17.88, P = 0.0002), shortened the time of number connection test (NCT) (WMD = 13.60, 95%CI: 1.53-25.66, P = 0.03), and reduced morbidity of clinical hepatic encephalopathy (RR = 0.15, 95%CI: 0.05-0.41, P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION: Probiotics can significantly improve some clinical and biochemical parameters in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy, decrease the morbidity of clinical hepatic encephalopathy and may become a new choice for the treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy.

Critical care management of patients with end-stage liver disease

OBJECTIVES

To review the management of complications related to end-stage liver disease in the intensive care unit. The goal of this review is to address topics important to the practicing physician.

DATA SOURCES

We performed an organ system-based PubMed literature review focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of critical complications of end-stage liver disease. DATA SYNTHESIS AND FINDINGS: When available, preferential consideration was given to randomized controlled trials. In the absence of trials, observational and retrospective studies and consensus opinions were included. We present our recommendations for the neurologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, and infectious complications of end-stage liver disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications related to end-stage liver disease have significant morbidity and mortality. Management of these complications in the intensive care unit requires awareness and expertise among physicians from a wide variety of fields.

A randomized controlled trial comparing lactulose, probiotics, and L-ornithine L-aspartate in treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) impairs daily functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The modalities of treatment of MHE have not been adequately studied.

AIMS

To compare lactulose, probiotics, and L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA) in treatment of MHE and effect on HRQoL by Sickness Impact Profile questionnaire.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with cirrhosis were screened for MHE. MHE was diagnosed by two or more abnormal psychometric tests (number/figure connection tests A and B, block design test, picture completion test). Patients were randomized to no treatment (GpA), lactulose 30-60 ml/twice per day (GpB), probiotics 110 billion colony forming units twice in a day (GpC), LOLA 6 g three times per day (GpD) for 3 months. Arterial ammonia and HRQoL assessment using SIP questionnaire was done at baseline and at 3 months.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty (49.69%) of 322 patients with cirrhosis had MHE. After 3 months, MHE recovered in GpA four (10%), GpB 19 (47.5%), GpC 14 (35%), and GpD 14 (35%). MHE improved significantly in all three treatment groups (GpB, GpC, GpD) compared with no treatment (GpA) (P=0.006). Overt hepatic encephalopathy developed in nine (5.6%) of 160 patients; GpA four (10%), GpB one (2.5%), GpC two (5%), and GpD two (5%), respectively. There was significant improvement in SIP score in GpB (6.98±4.1), GpC (6.24±3.4), and GpD (7.33±3.8) versus GpA (1.05±2.6), P value of less than 0.001. The decrease in SIP score correlated with an improvement in MHE on multivariate analysis but there was no correlation with the type of intervention offered. There was no significant change in arterial ammonia level after therapy in GpA (-0.52±7.8 μmol/l). Arterial ammonia level in GpB (-8.47±5.8 μmol/l), GpC (-7.31±7.9 μmol/l), and GpD (-9.61±9.3 μmol/l) were significantly more than GpA (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Lactulose, probiotics, and LOLA significantly improve MHE and HRQoL in patients with chronic liver disease.

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis: a nationwide analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recent studies have shown conflicting results regarding the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cirrhotics despite the often-associated coagulopathy. Our aim was to determine burden and risk factors for VTE in cirrhotics from a national sample.

METHODS

Using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2005, we identified cirrhosis-related hospitalizations using appropriate discharge codes. Our outcomes of interest were deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Cirrhotics without VTE formed the controls. Multivariate regression models were used to identify factors independently associated with VTE and the impact of VTE diagnosis on in-hospital outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 449,798 hospitalizations for cirrhosis in 2005 of which 8,231 were for VTE (1.8%). This rate was lower than the rate for chronic hepatitis C (2.4%) or all-cause hospitalizations (3.7%). Patients with VTE were older than controls and had greater co-morbidity and were more likely to have malnutrition, parenteral nutrition, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and central venous line (CVL) placement. Complications of cirrhosis including hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, ascites, and coagulopathy were less frequent in those with VTE than controls. On multivariate regression, greater co-morbidity, black race, malnutrition, and CVL placement were independently associated with VTE. Neither DVT nor PE was associated with greater in-hospital mortality. DVT, but not PE, was associated with a 52% increase in LOS and hospitalization charges.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the often-associated coagulopathy, VTE contributes to a significant burden in patients with cirrhosis. Efforts directed at VTE prevention in this cohort, especially high-risk patients, should be actively pursued.

Probiotics in hepatology

The paper provides a basic review of intestinal microflora and its importance in liver diseases. The intestinal microflora has many important functions, above all to maintain the microbial barrier against established as well as potential pathogens. Furthermore, it influences the motility and perfusion of the intestinal wall, stimulates the intestinal immune system and therefore also the so-called common mucosal immune system, reducing bacterial translocation and producing vitamins. Immune homeostasis at mucosal level results from a controlled response to intestinal luminal antigens. In liver cirrhosis, there are many changes in its function, mostly an increase in bacterial overgrowth and translocation. In this review, probiotics and their indications in hepatology are generally discussed. According to recent knowledge, these preparations are indicated in clinical practice only for cases of hepatic encephalopathy. Probiotics are able to decrease the permeability of the intestinal wall, and decrease bacterial translocation and endotoxemia in animal models as well as in clinical studies, which is extremely important in the prevention of complications of liver cirrhosis and infection after liver transplantation. Probiotics could limit oxidative and inflammatory liver damage and, in some situations, improve the histological state, and thus non-alcoholic steatohepatitis could be considered as another possible indication.

Gut microbiota and inflammation

Systemic and local inflammation in relation to the resident microbiota of the human gastro-intestinal (GI) tract and administration of probiotics are the main themes of the present review. The dominating taxa of the human GI tract and their potential for aggravating or suppressing inflammation are described. The review focuses on human trials with probiotics and does not include in vitro studies and animal experimental models. The applications of probiotics considered are systemic immune-modulation, the metabolic syndrome, liver injury, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and radiation-induced enteritis. When the major genomic differences between different types of probiotics are taken into account, it is to be expected that the human body can respond differently to the different species and strains of probiotics. This fact is often neglected in discussions of the outcome of clinical trials with probiotics.

Gut microbiota and probiotics in chronic liver diseases

There is a strong relationship between liver and gut: the portal system receives blood from the gut, and intestinal blood content activates liver functions. The liver, in turn, affects intestinal functions through bile secretion into the intestinal lumen. Alterations of intestinal microbiota seem to play an important role in induction and promotion of liver damage progression, in addition to direct injury resulting from different causal agents. Bacterial overgrowth, immune dysfunction, alteration of the luminal factors, and altered intestinal permeability are all involved in the pathogenesis of complications of liver cirrhosis, such as infections, hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and renal failure. Probiotics have been suggested as a useful integrative treatment of different types of chronic liver damage, for their ability to augment intestinal barrier function and prevent bacterial translocation. This review summarizes the main literature findings about the relationships between gut microbiota and chronic liver disease, both in the pathogenesis and in the treatment by probiotics of the liver damage.

Diet and cognition in chronic liver disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The spectrum of neurocognitive impairment in cirrhosis spans a continuum of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) to overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE), the pathophysiology of which remains incompletely understood. The current available evidence, however, suggests that nutrition plays an important role in its development and points to the fact that malnutrition increases the morbidity and mortality of patients with cirrhosis. This review incorporates recent findings published in the last 2 years within the evolution of evidence regarding the role dietary manipulation can play in the comprehensive management of patients with cirrhosis and cognitive dysfunction.

RECENT FINDINGS

In patients with cirrhosis it is important to prevent starvation physiology which occurs after few hours of caloric deprivation as compared to 3 days in noncirrhotics. This can be accomplished by making sure that cirrhotic patients have daily breakfast and a late evening snack. In addition, probiotics and symbiotics are well tolerated and improve cognitive function in patients with MHE.

SUMMARY

The long-time held belief that protein restriction is needed to improve encephalopathy has no scientific basis but remains widely practiced. Branched-chain amino acids supplement may be helpful in patients who continue to suffer from OHE despite treatment of precipitating events and pharmacologic treatment with lactulose and rifaximin. Preventing starvation physiology and supplementing the diet with prebiotics and symbiotics are helpful in patients with MHE.

Successful treatment of asymptomatic or clinically terminal bovine Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection (Johne's disease) with the bacterium Dietzia used as a probiotic alone or in combination with dexamethasone: Adaption to chronic human diarrheal diseases

A naturally occurring gastrointestinal disease, primarily of ruminants (Johne disease), is a chronic debilitating disease that is caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). MAP infection occurs primarily in utero and in newborns. Outside our Dietzia probiotic treatment, there are no preventive/curative therapies for bovine paratuberculosis. Interestingly, MAP is at the center of controversy as to its role in (cause of) Crohn disease (CD) and more recently, its role in diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); the latter two, like CD, are considered to be a result of chronic intestinal inflammation. Treatments, both conventional and biologic agents, which induce and maintain remission are directed at curtailing processes that are an intricate part of inflammation. Most possess side effects of varying severity, lose therapeutic value, and more importantly, none routinely result in prevention and/or cures. Based on (a) similarities of Johne disease and Crohn disease, (b) a report that Dietzia inhibited growth of MAP under specific culture conditions, and (c) findings that Dietzia when used as a probiotic, (i) was therapeutic for adult bovine paratuberculosis, and (ii) prevented development of disease in MAP-infected calves, the goal of the present investigations was to design protocols that have applicability for IBD patients. Dietzia was found safe for cattle of all ages and for normal and immunodeficient mice. The results strongly warrant clinical evaluation as a probiotic, in combination with/without dexamethasone.

Meta-analysis: the effects of gut flora modulation using prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics on minimal hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is characterised by subtle neurocognitive deficits without overt clinical manifestations. Although several trials have individually evaluated the role of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics, there is yet no consensus on the management of MHE.

AIM

To estimate the efficacy of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics in MHE in randomised controlled trials.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for published studies in all languages. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined a priori. Pooled relative risk and heterogeneity were estimated as the measures of association.

RESULTS

Nine studies met our inclusion criteria. Use of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics significantly reduced the pooled relative risk (RR) of no improvement of MHE (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.32-0.50; P<0.001). Upon subgroup analysis, five studies with lactulose showed significant reduction of risk of no improvement of MHE (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.24-0.47; P<0.0001) with no inter-trial heterogeneity. In two trials each of probiotics and synbiotics, their use was associated with significant beneficial effects (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.26-0.65; P<0.0001 and RR of 0.51, 95% CI 0.32-0.80; P=0.004 respectively). There were no major adverse events though probiotics and synbiotics were better tolerated than lactulose.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics was associated with significant improvement in minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Among individual agents, lactulose appears to have the most beneficial effect, followed closely by probiotics and synbiotics.

Advances in the evaluation and management of minimal hepatic encephalopathy

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a neurocognitive disorder that affects up to 80% of cirrhotic patients. Similar to overt hepatic encephalopathy, ammonia and oxidative stress play key roles in the pathogenesis of MHE. However, MHE is characterized by subtle deficits and psychomotor abnormalities that can only be elicited by specialized psychometric tests. Although no gold standard exists for the diagnosis, MHE remains an important entity for clinicians to recognize because of its negative impact on a patient's health-related quality of life and association with driving impairment and vehicle accidents. MHE has also been associated with an increased rate in the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy and increased mortality; therefore, identification and treatment should not be delayed. Treatment to date has been focused on reducing serum ammonia levels with agents such as lactulose, probiotics, and synbiotics. MHE is a real and growing problem that is epidemic in cirrhosis, and increasing awareness of this condition is necessary for adequate management of these patients.

Rifaximin improves driving simulator performance in a randomized trial of patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with cirrhosis and minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) have driving difficulties but the effects of therapy on driving performance is unclear. We evaluated whether performance on a driving simulator improves in patients with MHE after treatment with rifaximin.

METHODS

Patients with MHE who were current drivers were randomly assigned to placebo or rifaximin groups and followed up for 8 weeks (n = 42). Patients underwent driving simulation (driving and navigation tasks) at the start (baseline) and end of the study. We evaluated patients' cognitive abilities, quality of life (using the Sickness Impact Profile), serum levels of ammonia, levels of inflammatory cytokines, and model for end-stage-liver disease scores. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who improved in driving performance, calculated as follows: total driving errors = speeding + illegal turns + collisions.

RESULTS

Over the 8-week study period, patients given rifaximin made significantly greater improvements than those given placebo in avoiding total driving errors (76% vs 31%; P = .013), speeding (81% vs 33%; P = .005), and illegal turns (62% vs 19%; P = .01). Of patients given rifaximin, 91% improved their cognitive performance, compared with 61% of patients given placebo (P = .01); they also made improvements in the psychosocial dimension of the Sickness Impact Profile compared with the placebo group (P = .04). Adherence to the assigned drug averaged 92%. Neither group had changes in ammonia levels or model for end-stage-liver disease scores, but patients in the rifaximin group had increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MHE significantly improve driving simulator performance after treatment with rifaximin, compared with placebo.

Editorial: rifaximin and minimal hepatic encephalopathy

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) occurs in up to 70% of patients with cirrhosis and has a clear impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in these patients. Antibiotics leading to reductions in circulating ammonia have been used in the past for the treatment of MHE. However, serious adverse effects such as nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and peripheral neuropathy limit their use to relatively short time periods. In this issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology, an article by Sidhu et al. demonstrates unequivocally that the antibiotic rifaximin, a minimally absorbed antibiotic with broad spectrum activity, improves psychometric test performance scores and concomitantly improves HRQOL in patients with MHE (the RIME Trial). Rifaximin was well tolerated. Results of the RIME Trial represent an important step in the establishment of this antibiotic as an effective and safe treatment for MHE.

Rifaximin improves psychometric performance and health-related quality of life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (the RIME Trial)

OBJECTIVES

Cirrhotics with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) have a poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Treatment of MHE is still evolving. The aim of this double-blind randomized pilot study was to assess the efficacy of rifaximin in improving neuropsychometric (NP) test performance and HRQOL in patients with MHE.

METHODS

MHE was diagnosed if any two NP tests (number and figure connection tests, picture completion, digit symbol, and block design tests) were deranged beyond 2 s.d. of normal. HRQOL was assessed using the sickness impact profile (SIP) questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 486 patients with cirrhosis were screened and 284 were found eligible. Out of these 115 (40.9%) had MHE, of which 21 refused consent and 94 were randomized to receive placebo (n=45) and rifaximin (n=49; 1200 mg/day) for 8 weeks. At the end of treatment, significantly more number of patients in rifaximin group showed reversal of MHE (75.5% (37/49) vs. 20% (9/45) in placebo group; P<0.0001). Rifaximin group also showed significant reduction in mean number of abnormal NP tests (baseline, 2.35 (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.17-2.53); 2 weeks, 1.29 (95% CI, 1.02-1.56), P=0.002; 8 weeks, 0.81 (95% CI, 0.61-1.02), P=0.000), compared with placebo group (baseline, 2.31 (95% CI, 2.03-2.59); 2 weeks, 2.03 (95% CI, 1.74-2.31); 8 weeks, 1.97 (95% CI, 1.69-2.25), P>0.05). The mean total SIP score also improved significantly in rifaximin group (baseline, 11.67 (95% CI, 10.31-13.03); 8 weeks, 6.45 (95% CI, 5.59-7.30); P=0.000) compared with placebo group (baseline, 9.86 (95% CI, 8.66-11.06); 8 weeks, 8.51 (95% CI, 7.35-9.67); P=0.82). Improvement in HRQOL correlated with improvement in NP tests. Rifaximin was well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Rifaximin significantly improves both cognitive functions and HRQOL in patients with MHE.

Role of nutrition in the management of hepatic encephalopathy in end-stage liver failure

Malnutrition is common in patients with end-stage liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy, and is considered a significant prognostic factor affecting quality of life, outcome, and survival. The liver plays a crucial role in the regulation of nutrition by trafficking the metabolism of nutrients, their distribution and appropriate use by the body. Nutritional consequences with the potential to cause nervous system dysfunction occur in liver failure, and many factors contribute to malnutrition in hepatic failure. Among them are inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, increased protein losses, hypermetabolism, insulin resistance, gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, inflammation/infection, and hyponatremia. Patients at risk of malnutrition are relatively difficult to identify since liver disease may interfere with biomarkers of malnutrition. The supplementation of the diet with amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins as well as probiotics in addition to meeting energy and protein requirements may improve nutritional status, liver function, and hepatic encephalopathy in patients with end-stage liver failure.

Nutrition in hepatic encephalopathy

Protein calorie malnutrition (PCM) is a well-known complication of chronic liver disease (CLD). A major contribution to PCM in CLD is restriction of dietary protein intake. After many decades of injudicious reduction in dietary protein, cirrhotic patients are now prescribed appropriate amounts of protein. PCM in CLD is known to be associated with life-threatening complications. In the general approach to these patients, the initial and most important step for the clinician is to recognize the extent of malnutrition. Most patients tolerate a normal amount of dietary protein without developing hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Oral branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have a limited role in HE. Patients who exhibit dietary protein intolerance originally were thought to be best treated with BCAA formulations. Mixed evidence has been reported in multiple studies. In keeping with other reports, this article shows that in animal protein-intolerant patients, even those with advanced cirrhosis, vegetable protein-based diets are well tolerated. Another approach to management of apparent dietary intolerance is to optimize HE treatment with available medications. This article reviews the causes of HE, minimal HE, and PCM; examines nutrition requirements and assessment; and discusses treatment options for malnutrition in HE.

Current and emerging strategies for treating hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is caused by liver impairment and has a multitude of symptoms in affected patients, including change in level of consciousness, intellectual function, and neuromuscular function. Pharmacologic therapy includes use of nonabsorbable disaccharides (lactulose and lactitol), and antibiotics such as neomycin, paromycin, metronidazole, and rifaximin. Probiotics, acarbose, and drugs such as L-carnitine and flumazenil, may also be helpful in treating HE.

Rifaximin for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complication of cirrhosis, the severity of which can range from subtle, neurocognitive dysfunction (minimal HE) to more apparent and severe cognitive and motor manifestations with increasing grades of the condition (overt HE). Current treatment options are targeted at reducing the levels of ammonia and other gut-derived toxins, the purported culprits behind the pathogenesis of HE. One of these therapeutic options, the nonsystemic antibiotic rifaximin, is efficacious for the treatment of minimal and overt HE. However, HE may be a cyclic condition in which patients with overt HE enter remission following treatment and then relapse. Thus, safe, effective and well-tolerated treatments are needed to maintain HE remission. Rifaximin maintained HE remission more effectively than placebo in a large, randomized controlled trial. Rifaximin is safe and well-tolerated for the treatment of minimal and overt HE and for the maintenance of HE remission.

Role of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and delayed gastrointestinal transit time in cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is the mildest form in the spectrum of hepatic encephalopathy. This cross-sectional study was carried out to elucidate the role of bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine and delayed intestinal transit among patients with MHE.

METHODS

Two-hundred-thirty patients with cirrhosis were screened; 102 patients (44.4%) who met the eligibility criteria were included in the study. MHE was diagnosed when the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score was ≤-5. All patients underwent a glucose breath test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and lactulose breath test for oro-cecal transit time (OCTT).

RESULTS

Fifty-seven (55.9%) patients with cirrhosis had MHE. Among these patients with MHE, 22 (38.6%) had SIBO, while 4 (8.9%) without MHE had SIBO (p = 0.001). The prevalence of SIBO was higher in patients with CTP classes B and C (69.2%) compared to those in CTP class A (30.8%); p = 0.054. OCTT was significantly prolonged in patients who had SIBO than in those who did not have SIBO (p<0.0001). Univariate analysis demonstrated that increased age, female gender, low educational status, low albumin, presence of SIBO, and prolonged OCTT were associated with the presence of MHE. Multivariate analysis demonstrated SIBO as the only factor associated with MHE.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study conclusively demonstrates high prevalence of SIBO in patients with cirrhosis with MHE. This study gives the rationale of treatment directed against SIBO and gut dysmotility, which may include non-absorbable antibiotics such as rifaximin, probiotics, and prokinetics.

The impact of nutrition on cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the most recent aspects of nutrition therapy of cirrhotic patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Undernutrition has been widely reported among these patients, despite the lack of consensus on the best nutritional assessment tools in this population. Nutrition therapy has been marked by controversy. Nonetheless, recent findings have pointed out to the important role of the nutrition status and of some specific nutrients on the outcome of these patients.

SUMMARY

We report the latest findings on nutrition care of patients with end-stage liver disease on the waiting list for liver transplantation such as the impact of the nutritional status on outcome, probiotic and branched-chain amino acid supplementation, as well as the use of immunomodulating formula. Another important strategy that has been shown to improve these patients' nutritional care is the offering of nocturnal meals and micronutrient supplementation.

Diagnosis and prognostic significance of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis of liver

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is the mildest form of the spectrum of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) that impairs health-related quality of life. We assessed (1) the usefulness of psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score and critical flicker frequency for the diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy, and (2) prognostic significance of minimal hepatic encephalopathy.

METHODS

One hundred patients with liver cirrhosis without overt HE were subjected to psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score and critical flicker frequency evaluation. Eighty-three age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers served as controls. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy was diagnosed when the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score was <or=-5. An age-adjusted Z score <-2 on the critical flicker frequency was considered abnormal.

RESULTS

Forty-eight (48%) patients had minimal hepatic encephalopathy as indicated by altered psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score. Critical flicker frequency was altered in 21 patients; 17 also showed impaired psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score thus providing additional information in only 4 patients. Forty-six of 48 patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy and 48 of 52 patients without minimal hepatic encephalopathy completed the follow-up. Eighteen (39.1%) patients died among those who had minimal hepatic encephalopathy compared to 11 (22.9%) patients who did not have minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Among the several variables analyzed in this study, univariate analyses showed that age, serum bilirubin level, Child-Turcotte-Pugh score and psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score were associated with a poor prognosis. The multivariate analysis identified two variables as significant independent prognostic factors; psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score <or=-6 [hazard ratio 2.419 (95% CI, 1.014-5.769)] and Child-Turcotte-Pugh score >or=8 [hazard ratio 2.466 (95% CI, 1.010-6.023)] predicted poor survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score is a useful tool for the diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in an outpatient setting. Both psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score and Child-Turcotte-Pugh score have prognostic value on survival.

Pharmacotherapy of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major complication encountered in nearly half of the patients with liver cirrhosis.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

A review of the safety and efficacy of current therapies for HE that seek to pre-empt ammonia production and/or to increase its elimination, reducing inflammation, blocking benzodiazepine-like compound production, and supporting systemic hemodynamics.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

Insight into some recent advances in the management of HE that could modify our therapeutic approach to end-stage liver disease. Cirrhotic individuals during an overt HE episode require careful management, focusing on precipitant factors as well as metabolic and hemodynamic derangements.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Intestinal ammoniagenesis requires flora modification by antibiotics, prebiotics and probiotics; glutaminase inhibition as well as antibiotics to pre-empt systemic inflammation. Hemodynamic/fluid support is essential. Nutritional support is crucial and hypoproteinemic diets should be avoided. Blocking benzodiazepine-like compounds by the use of flumazenil could be useful in patients with severe, benzodiazepine-induced HE. Long-term rifaximin is well tolerated, does not promote resistance and could decrease overt HE bouts in patients with previous episodes of overt HE. Lactulose is better than no treatment in improving quality of life in patients with minimal HE; it also acts as secondary prophylaxis following overt HE.

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy: consensus statement of a working party of the Indian National Association for Study of the Liver

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major complication that develops in some form and at some stage in a majority of patients with liver cirrhosis. Overt HE occurs in approximately 30-45% of cirrhotic patients. Minimal HE (MHE), the mildest form of HE, is characterized by subtle motor and cognitive deficits and impairs health-related quality of life. The Indian National Association for Study of the Liver (INASL) set up a Working Party on MHE in 2008 with a mandate to develop consensus guidelines on various aspects of MHE relevant to clinical practice. Questions related to the definition of MHE, its prevalence, diagnosis, clinical characteristics, pathogenesis, natural history and treatment were addressed by the members of the Working Party.

Probiotics for patients with compensated liver cirrhosis: a double-blind placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Gut flora is related to the major complications of liver cirrhosis including hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and variceal bleeding. Prior studies have reported a beneficial effect of gut flora modification with probiotic bacteria in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy. We aimed to study the effect of probiotics on clinical and laboratory parameters of patients with compensated cirrhosis.

METHODS

A double-blind placebo-controlled study that included patients with liver cirrhosis and at least one major complication of cirrhosis in the past, clinical evidence of portal hypertension, or decreased hepatic synthetic function. Participants were randomly assigned to receive probiotic capsules containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Streptococcus thermophiles or placebo for a period of 6 mo.

RESULTS

A total of 36 patients were available for final analysis (distributed equally between the probiotic and placebo groups). The administration of probiotics was not associated with significant differences in either clinical or laboratory parameters between the two groups. Because the lack of a beneficial effect may be related to the compensated liver disease of patients, we conducted a subanalysis of patients with baseline ammonia levels > 50 mmol/L. In this subgroup, the administration of probiotics appeared to significantly reduce the ammonia levels starting after 1 mo of treatment. However, this effect diminished and lost its significance following comparison to the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study did not show a significant beneficial effect of probiotic supplementation in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis. Nevertheless, it points toward a possible positive effect of probiotics in patients with above normal baseline ammonia levels. This issue requires further investigation in larger cohorts.

Hepatic encephalopathy therapy: An overview

Type-C hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a severe complication of cirrhosis, which seriously affects quality of life and is strongly related to patient survival. Treatment based on a classical pharmacological approach that is aimed at reducing the production of gut-derived toxins, such as ammonia, is still under debate. Currently, results obtained from clinical trials do not support any specific treatment for HE and our competence in testing old and new treatment modalities by randomized controlled trials with appropriate clinically relevant end-points urgently needs to be improved. On the other hand, patients who are at risk for HE are now identifiable, based on studies on the natural history of the disease. Today, very few studies that are specifically aimed at establishing whether HE may be prevented are available or in progress. Recent studies have looked at non absorbable disaccharides or antibiotics and other treatment modalities, such as the modulation of intestinal flora. In the treatment of severe stage HE, artificial liver supports have been tested with initial positive results but more studies are needed.

Amino acid imbalance in patients with chronic liver diseases

AIM

The aim of this study is to clarify the amino acid imbalance in patients with chronic hepatitis (CH) as well as those with liver cirrhosis (LC).

METHODS

We assayed total branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), tyrosine (Tyr) levels and their ratio (BTR) in sera of 101 patients with CH (37 in fibrosis stage F1, 23 in F2, 21 in F3) and 20 with LC (F4) who were diagnosed by liver biopsy. Their levels in relation to the staging of liver fibrosis were analyzed.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients whose BTR was less than the normal range was 32.1% in CH and 75.0% in LC. The levels of BTR and BCAA were significantly lower (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, respectively) and that of Tyr was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in patients with LC than those in CH. The levels of BTR decreased according to the staging. The levels of Tyr increased according the staging, whereas the levels of BCAA deceased prominently in F4 (487 +/- 103 in F1, 483 +/- 122 in F2, 487 +/- 111 in F3 and 423 +/- 94 in F4).

CONCLUSION

A considerable number of patients not only with LC but also with CH showed lower levels of BTR. It has been clarified that amino acid imbalance of Tyr was found in the early stage of liver disease, whereas decrease of BCAA was found mainly in F4 stage.

Current concepts in the assessment and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is defined as a metabolically induced, potentially reversible, functional disturbance of the brain that may occur in acute or chronic liver disease. Standardized nomenclature has been proposed but a standardized approach to the treatment, particularly of persistent, episodic and recurrent encephalopathy associated with liver cirrhosis has not been proposed. This review focuses on the pathogenesis and treatment of HE in patients with cirrhosis. The pathogenesis and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in fulminant hepatic failure is quite different and is reviewed elsewhere.

Emerging drugs for hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a severe complication of cirrhosis, seriously affecting the patients' quality of life. The classical approach aimed at reducing the production of gut-derived toxins, such as ammonia, is under debate as, at the moment, the information obtained from the clinical trials does not support any specific treatment for HE.

OBJECTIVES

i) To discuss present therapeutic strategies and possible future developments; ii) to identify areas of medical needs and iii) to suggest the ideal design and methodology for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in HE.

METHODS

Current approaches were obtained from already available RCTs or from experimental animal studies. Those approaches developed from studies on HE pathophysiology were considered as working hypotheses for future therapies.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

Our competence in testing old and new treatment modalities by RCTs with appropriate clinically relevant end points should urgently be improved. The patients at risk of HE are identifiable, and studies specifically aimed at establishing whether HE may be prevented or not are needed. As far as new treatment modalities are concerned, RCTs on the modulators of the intestinal bacterial flora and on the molecular adsorbent recirculating system are already available, but further studies are needed to confirm these promising approaches.

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is the mildest form of spectrum of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Patients with MHE have no recognizable clinical symptoms of HE but have mild cognitive and psychomotor deficits. The prevalence of MHE is high in patients with cirrhosis of liver and varies between 30% and 84%; it is higher in patients with poor liver function. The diagnostic criteria for MHE have not been standardized but rest on careful patient history and physical examination, normal mental status examination, demonstration of abnormalities in cognition and/or neurophysiological function, and exclusion of concomitant neurological disorders. MHE is associated with impaired health-related quality of life, predicts the development of overt HE and is associated with poor survival. Hence, screening all patients with cirrhosis for MHE using psychometric tests, and treatment of those patients diagnosed to have MHE has been recommended. Ammonia plays a key role in the pathogenesis of MHE, which is thought to be similar to that of overt HE. Thus, ammonia-lowering agents such as lactulose and probiotics have been tried. These agents have been shown to improve cognitive and psychometric deficits, and have good safety profile. Future studies will better define the role of other drugs, such as rifaximin, acetyl L-carnitine and L-ornithine L-aspartate.

Hepatic encephalopathy: pathophysiology and emerging therapies

Hepatic encephalopathy is characterized by neuropsychiatric abnormalities in patients with liver failure. Severe hepatic encephalopathy is an indication for liver transplantation as it portends poor outcome. Treatment of hepatic encephalopathy involves correction of precipitating factors such as sepsis, gastrointestinal bleeding, medications, and electrolyte imbalance. Effective therapies include lactulose and antibiotics such as neomycin, metronidazole, and rifaximin.

Cirrhosis and trauma are a lethal combination

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of mortality and complications associated with cirrhosis in trauma patients.

METHODS

This is an IRB-approved retrospective trauma registry study of patients admitted to an academic level 1 trauma center from 1997 to 2006. The following parameters were abstracted for analysis: age, gender, mechanism of injury, Abbreviated Injury Score, Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale, mortality, and complications (ARDS, acute renal failure, pneumonia, intra-abdominal abscess, trauma-associated coagulopathy). Multivariable analysis was utilized to compare the mortality and complication rates between cirrhotic and noncirrhotic trauma patients. The subgroup of patients who underwent laparotomy was also analyzed.

RESULTS

During the 10-year study period there were 36,038 trauma registry patients, of which 468 (1.3%) had a diagnosis of cirrhosis. The mortality in the cirrhotic group was 12% vs. 6% in the noncirrhotic group [adjusted odds ratio = 5.65 (95% CI = 3.72 - 8.41, p < 0.0001)]. ARDS, trauma-associated coagulopathy, and septic complications were significantly more common in the cirrhotic group. The overall severe complication rate in the two groups was 10 and 4%, respectively [adjusted odds ratio = 2.05 (95% CI = 1.45 - 2.84, p < 0.0001)]. For the subgroup of patients who underwent emergent abdominal exploration, the mortality rate increased to 40% compared with that of noncirrhotics at 15% [adjusted odds ratio = 4.35 (95% CI = 2.00 - 9.18, p = 0.0002)].

CONCLUSION

Cirrhosis is an independent risk factor for increased mortality and higher complication rate following trauma. Injured patients who undergo laparotomy are significantly more likely to die than noncirrhotic patients. Injured patients with cirrhosis warrant aggressive monitoring and treatment.

Intestinal microflora and metabolic diseases

Recent advances in molecular sequencing technology have allowed researchers to answer major questions regarding the relationship between a vast genomic diversity-such as found in the intestinal microflora-and host physiology. Over the past few years, it has been established that, in obesity, type 1 diabetes and Crohn's disease-to cite but a few-the intestinal microflora play a pathophysiological role and can induce, transfer or prevent the outcome of such conditions. A few of the molecular vectors responsible for this regulatory role have been determined. Some are related to control of the immune, vascular, endocrine and nervous systems located in the intestines. However, more important is the fact that the intestinal microflora-to-host relationship is bidirectional, with evidence of an impact of the host genome on the intestinal microbiome. This means that the ecology shared by the host and gut microflora should now be considered a new player that can be manipulated, using pharmacological and nutritional approaches, to control physiological functions and pathological outcomes. What now remains is to demonstrate the molecular connection between the intestinal microflora and metabolic diseases. We propose here that the proinflammatory lipopolysaccharides play a causal role in the onset of metabolic disorders.

Care of the cirrhotic patient

Timely surveillance for varices and hepatocellular carcinoma, prophylaxis against spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) improve survival in patients awaiting transplantation. Early diagnosis of minimal or overt hepatic encephalopathy can delay life threatening complications, reduce need for hospitalization, and potentially improve survival pending liver transplantation.

Management options for minimal hepatic encephalopathy

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a neurocognitive dysfunction that is present in the majority of patients with cirrhosis. MHE has a characteristic cognitive profile that cannot be diagnosed clinically. This cognitive dysfunction is independent of sleep dysfunction or problems with overall intelligence. MHE has a significant impact on quality of life, the ability to function in daily life and progression to overt hepatic encephalopathy. Driving ability can be impaired in MHE and this may be a significant factor behind motor vehicle accidents. A crucial aspect of the clinical care of MHE patients is their driving history, which is often ignored during routine care and can add a vital dimension to the overall disease assessment. Driving history should be an integral part of the care of patients with MHE. The preserved communication skills and lack of specific signs and insight make MHE difficult to diagnose. The predominant strategies for MHE diagnosis are psychometric or neurophysiological testing. These are usually limited by financial, normative or time constraints. Studies into inhibitory control, cognitive drug research and critical flicker frequency tests are encouraging. These tests do not require a psychologist for administration and interpretation. Lactulose and probiotics have been studied for their potential use as therapies for MHE, but these are not standard-of-care practices at this time. Therapy can improve the quality of life in MHE patients but the natural history, specific diagnostic strategies and treatment options are still being investigated.

Inhibitory control test for the diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is difficult to diagnose. The Inhibitory Control Test (ICT) measures response inhibition and has diagnosed MHE with 90% sensitivity and specificity in a selected population; high lure and low target rates indicated poor ICT performance. We studied the reliability and validity of ICT for MHE diagnosis.

METHODS

ICT was compared with a psychometric battery (standard psychometric tests [SPT]) for MHE diagnosis and overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) prediction. ICT was administered twice for test-retest reliability, before/after transvenous intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS), and before/after yogurt treatment. The time taken by 2 medical assistants (MA) to administer ICT was recorded and compared with that of a psychologist for cost analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-six cirrhotic patients and 116 age/education-matched controls were studied. ICT (>5 lures) had 88% sensitivity for MHE diagnosis with 0.902 area under the curve for receiver operating characteristic. MHE-positive patients had significantly higher ICT lures (11 vs 4, respectively, P = .0001) and lower targets (92% vs 97%, respectively, P = .0001) compared with MHE-negative patients. The test/retest reliability for ICT lures (n = 50, r = 0.90, P = .0001) was high. ICT and SPT were equivalent in predicting OHE (21%). ICT lures significantly worsened after TIPS (n = 10; 5 vs 9, respectively; P = .02) and improved after yogurt supplementation (n = 18, 10 vs 5, respectively; P = .002). The MAs were successfully trained to administer ICT; the time required for test administration and the associated costs were smaller for ICT than for SPT.

CONCLUSIONS

ICT is a sensitive, reliable, and valid test for MHE diagnosis that can be administered inexpensively by MAs.

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy matters in daily life

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is a neuro-cognitive dysfunction which occurs in an epidemic proportion of cirrhotic patients, estimated as high as 80% of the population tested. It is characterized by a specific, complex cognitive dysfunction which is independent of sleep dysfunction or problems with overall intelligence. Although named “minimal”, minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) can have a far-reaching impact on quality of life, ability to function in daily life and progression to overt hepatic encephalopathy. Importantly, MHE has a profound negative impact on the ability to drive a car and may be a significant factor behind motor vehicle accidents. A crucial aspect of the clinical care of MHE patients is their driving history, which is often ignored in routine care and can add a vital dimension to the overall disease assessment. Driving history should be an integral part of care in patients with MHE. The lack of specific signs and symptoms, the preserved communication skills and lack of insight make MHE a difficult condition to diagnose. Diagnostic strategies for MHE abound, but are usually limited by financial, normative or time constraints. Recent studies into the inhibitory control and critical flicker frequency tests are encouraging since these tests can increase the rates of MHE diagnosis without requiring a psychologist. Although testing for MHE and subsequent therapy is not standard of care at this time, it is important to consider this in cirrhotics in order to improve their ability to live their life to the fullest.