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Chen A, Tait C, Minacapelli C, Rustgi V. Pathophysiology of Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Framework for Clinicians. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:209-224. [PMID: 38548434 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that is observed primarily in patients with liver disease. The pathophysiology is complex and involves many factors including ammonia toxicity, dysregulation of central nervous system activity, and excess inflammatory cytokines. Symptoms of HE range from subclinical to debilitating. HE can be difficult to treat and represents a large burden to patients, their caregivers, and the health-care system because of associated resource utilization. This review article provides an overview of the current understanding of the pathophysiology behind HE and where the current research and treatments are pointing toward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Chen
- Internal Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS), Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Christopher Tait
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Carlos Minacapelli
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Center for Liver Diseases and Masses, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Vinod Rustgi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Center for Liver Diseases and Masses, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
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Lin E, Gandhi D, Volk M. Preventing Readmissions of Hepatic Encephalopathy: Strategies in the Acute Inpatient, Immediate Postdischarge, and Longitudinal Outpatient Setting. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:359-367. [PMID: 38548445 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a strong predictor of early hospital readmission in patients with cirrhosis. Early hospital readmission increases health care costs and is associated with worse survival. Herein we provide an overview of strategies to prevent hospital readmissions in patients with HE, divided into 3 contexts: (a) acute inpatient, (b) immediate postdischarge, and (c) longitudinal outpatient setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Devika Gandhi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
| | - Michael Volk
- Department of Medicine, Baylor Scott and White, Central Texas Region, Temple, TX, USA
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Huang CH, Amodio P. Can rifaximin for hepatic encephalopathy be discontinued during broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment? World J Hepatol 2024; 16:115-119. [PMID: 38495281 PMCID: PMC10941747 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i2.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a formidable complication in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, often necessitating the administration of rifaximin (RFX) for effective management. RFX, is a gut-restricted, poorly-absorbable oral rifamycin derived antibiotic that can be used in addition to lactulose for the secondary prophylaxis of HE. It has shown notable reductions in infection, hospital readmission, duration of hospital stay, and mortality. However, limited data exist about the concurrent use of RFX with broad-spectrum antibiotics, because the patients are typically excluded from studies assessing RFX efficacy in HE. A pharmacist-driven quasi-experimental pilot study was done to address this gap. They argue against the necessity of RFX in HE during broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment, particularly in critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICU). The potential for safe RFX discontinuation without adverse effects is clearly illuminated and valuable insight into the optimization of therapeutic strategies is offered. The findings also indicate that RFX discontinuation during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was not associated with higher rates of delirium or coma, and this result remained robust after adjustment in multivariate analysis. Furthermore, rates of other secondary clinical and safety outcomes, including ICU mortality and 48-hour changes in vasopressor requirements, were comparable. However, since the activity of RFX is mainly confined to the modulation of gut microbiota, its potential utility in patients undergoing extensive systemic antibiotic therapy is debatable, given the overlapping antibiotic activity. Further, this suggests that the action of RFX on HE is class-specific (related to its activity on gut microbiota), rather than drug-specific. A recent double-blind randomized controlled (ARiE) trial provided further evidence-based support for RFX withdrawal in critically ill cirrhotic ICU patients receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics. Both studies prompt further discussion about optimal therapeutic strategy for patients facing the dual challenge of HE and systemic infections. Despite these compelling results, both studies have limitations. A prospective, multi-center evaluation of a larger sample, with placebo control, and comprehensive neurologic evaluation of HE is warranted. It should include an exploration of longer-term outcome and the impact of this protocol in non-critically ill liver disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Hao Huang
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Piero Amodio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padua, Padova 35122, Italy.
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Zaman T, Ahmed Attari MB, Ahmad A, Butt MA, Fayyaz K, Zubair SA. Comparison of Rifaximin Alone and With Quinolones in the Primary Prevention of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Patients With Decompensated Chronic Liver Disease. Cureus 2024; 16:e55251. [PMID: 38558603 PMCID: PMC10981471 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In cirrhotic patients with ascites, primary prevention of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a key strategy to lower morbidity and death. Rifaximin and fluoroquinolone used alternately as main prophylaxis are as effective as reported. This study aimed to compare the frequency of occurrence of SBP in patients with decompensated chronic liver disease treated with rifaximin alone and in combination with fluoroquinolone. Methodology A total of 76 patients with hepatitis C virus-related decompensated chronic liver disease and ascites were divided into two groups based on matching age, sex, and Child-Pugh class. Group A (38 patients) received rifaximin 1,100 mg/day in two divided doses with daily fluoroquinolone 400 mg/day, whereas group B (38 patients) received rifaximin 1,100 mg/day alone as a two dosage. The patients were monitored for up to three months. The study's endpoints were SBP, hepatocellular carcinoma, compliance failure, death, or liver transplantation. Results In this comparative study involving 76 patients, the demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed across two treatment groups: rifaximin alone (n = 38) and rifaximin with fluoroquinolone (n = 38). The combination therapy demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in SBP compared to rifaximin alone. Additionally, the overall survival rate was higher in the combination group. These findings suggest potential benefits of the combined approach in managing hepatic encephalopathy-related complications. Conclusions When compared to rifaximin alone for primary SBP prophylaxis, the combination of rifaximin with fluoroquinolone exhibited greater effectiveness with the same safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Zaman
- Department of Medicine, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, PAK
| | | | - Adeel Ahmad
- Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Chelsea, GBR
| | | | - Khurram Fayyaz
- Department of Medicine, Azra Naheed Medical College, Lahore, PAK
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Casanova-Ferrer F, Gallego JJ, Fiorillo A, Urios A, Ríos MP, León JL, Ballester MP, Escudero-García D, Kosenko E, Belloch V, Montoliu C. Improved cognition after rifaximin treatment is associated with changes in intra- and inter-brain network functional connectivity. J Transl Med 2024; 22:49. [PMID: 38217008 PMCID: PMC10787503 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04844-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rifaximin is a non-reabsorbable antibiotic which acts at gut level, and improves cognition and inflammatory parameters in minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) patients, but not all patients show the same level of response. This study aims to assess brain activity, both within and between brain networks, following rifaximin treatment, considering the differences between response groups as well. METHODS Twenty-two healthy controls and 53 patients with cirrhosis (22 without and 31 with MHE, diagnosed by Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score, PHES) performed psychometric, attention and coordination tests, and blood inflammatory parameters were measured. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) acquisitions were performed on controls and MHE patients. Eighteen MHE patients underwent a rifaximin treatment for 6 months, after which all measures were repeated. fMRI images were analysed and changes after treatment were assessed. RESULTS After rifaximin treatment, 13 patients improved their PHES score (Responder patients) while 5 did not (Non-responder patients). No significant decrease in blood ammonia was observed after rifaximin treatment, but there was a decrease in plasma inflammatory cytokines in responder patients. A global effect of rifaximin was detected on the sensorimotor and fronto-parietal networks. Responder patients showed a relative increase of thalamic network connectivity in comparison to non-responder patients. Before treatment, responder and non-responder patients showed connectivity differences in basal ganglia network. The connection of the sensorimotor and thalamic networks between them and with other networks suffered changes after treatment. These connections between networks mostly decreased after treatment. All changes and differences showed a significant level of correlation with the performance of psychometric tests and the blood levels of inflammatory biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS There was an improvement of the communication between executive, motor and attention-related brain areas, and their functional independence following rifaximin treatment. Patients who respond also show a less deteriorated connection involved in these functions before treatment. Results suggest that the improved inflammatory state of MHE patients, following rifaximin treatment would favour the observed changes in brain function and enhanced cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franc Casanova-Ferrer
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan-José Gallego
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alessandra Fiorillo
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Urios
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - María-Pilar Ríos
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Luis León
- Universitats Neurorradiology Unit, Ascires Biomedical Group, Valencia, Spain
| | - María-Pilar Ballester
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Desamparados Escudero-García
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Kosenko
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Vicente Belloch
- Universitats Neurorradiology Unit, Ascires Biomedical Group, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Av Blasco Ibáñez, 15, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
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DuPont HL. The potential for development of clinically relevant microbial resistance to rifaximin-α: a narrative review. Clin Microbiol Rev 2023; 36:e0003923. [PMID: 37971270 PMCID: PMC10732030 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00039-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Rifaximin-α is a gut-targeted antibiotic indicated for numerous gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Its multifaceted mechanism of action goes beyond direct antimicrobial effects, including alterations in bacterial virulence, cytoprotective effects on host epithelial cells, improvement of impaired intestinal permeability, and reduction of proinflammatory cytokine expression via activation of the pregnane X receptor. Rifaximin-α is virtually non-absorbed, with low systemic drug levels contributing to its excellent safety profile. While there are high concentrations of drug in the colon, low water solubility leads to low colonic drug bioavailability, protecting the gut microbiome. Rifaximin-α appears to be more active in the bile-rich small bowel. Its important biologic effects are largely at sub-inhibitory concentration. Although in vitro testing of clinical isolates from rifaximin recipients has revealed rifaximin-resistant strains in some studies, the risk of emergent rifaximin-α resistance appears to be lower than for many other antibiotics. Rifaximin-α has been used for many years for traveler's diarrhea with no apparent increase in resistance levels in causative pathogens. Further, rifaximin-α retains its efficacy after long-term and recurrent usage in chronic gastrointestinal disorders. There are numerous reasons why the risk of microbial resistance to rifaximin-α may be lower than that for other agents, including low intestinal bioavailability in the aqueous colon, the mechanisms of action of rifaximin-α not requiring inhibitory concentrations of drug, and the low risk of cross transmission of rifaximin-α resistance between bacterial species. Reported emergence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in liver-disease patients maintained on rifaximin needs to be actively studied. Further studies are required to assess the possible correlation between in vitro resistance and rifaximin-α efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert L. DuPont
- School of Public Health and McGovern Medical School, Baylor College of Medicine, Kelsey Research Foundation, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Parisse S, Lai Q, Martini F, Martini A, Ferri F, Mischitelli M, Melandro F, Mennini G, Rossi M, Alvaro D, Ginanni Corradini S. Rifaximin Reduces Risk of All-Cause Hospitalization in Cirrhotic Liver Transplant Candidates with Hepatic Encephalopathy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6871. [PMID: 37959336 PMCID: PMC10647372 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In cirrhotic patients listed for liver transplantation (LT) with a history of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), rifaximin reduces the number of hospitalizations, but whether it influences the time to first hospitalization is unknown. AIMS to evaluate the time-dependent impact of rifaximin on the risk of all-cause hospitalization and dropout in patients on the LT waiting list. METHODS Consecutive patients listed for LT were retrospectively enrolled. After balancing populations with and without rifaximin treatment using the inverse probability therapy weighting analysis, Fine-Gray multivariable competing risk analyses were run to explore risk factors for the first episode of hospitalization and dropout. RESULTS When comparing 92 patients taking rifaximin to the untreated group of 152, rifaximin treatment was not associated with any of the study outcomes. In the subset of patients with a history of HE at waitlist entry (N = 81 rifaximin-treated and N = 39 untreated), rifaximin intake was independently associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for all causes (SHR 0.638; 95.0% CI 0.418-0.973; p = 0.037) and for HE (SHR 0.379; 95.0% CI 0.207-0.693; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS cirrhotic LT candidates with a prior history of HE rifaximin treatment are associated with a lower risk of time-dependent all-cause hospitalization, likely due to its unique effect on gut microbiome composition/function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Parisse
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (F.M.); (A.M.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (D.A.)
| | - Quirino Lai
- General Surgery and Organ Transplantation Unit, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (Q.L.); (F.M.); (G.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Francesca Martini
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (F.M.); (A.M.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (D.A.)
| | - Alice Martini
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (F.M.); (A.M.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (D.A.)
| | - Flaminia Ferri
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (F.M.); (A.M.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (D.A.)
| | - Monica Mischitelli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (F.M.); (A.M.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (D.A.)
| | - Fabio Melandro
- General Surgery and Organ Transplantation Unit, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (Q.L.); (F.M.); (G.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Gianluca Mennini
- General Surgery and Organ Transplantation Unit, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (Q.L.); (F.M.); (G.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Massimo Rossi
- General Surgery and Organ Transplantation Unit, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (Q.L.); (F.M.); (G.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (F.M.); (A.M.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (D.A.)
| | - Stefano Ginanni Corradini
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 37, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (F.M.); (A.M.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (D.A.)
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Torre A, Córdova-Gallardo J, Frati Munari AC. Rifaximin Alfa and Liver Diseases: More Than a Treatment for Encephalopathy, a Disease Modifier. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2023; 19:839-851. [PMID: 37899985 PMCID: PMC10612522 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s425292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
RFX, a rifamycin-based antibacterial agent obtained by the culture of the actinomycete Streptomyces mediterranei, has a broad antibacterial spectrum covering gram- positive, gram-negative, aerobic, and anaerobic bacteria. RFX is an antibiotic that elicits its effect by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis. When administered orally, its intestinal absorption is extremely low (<0.4%), restricting antibacterial activity mainly in the intestinal tract, with few systemic side effects. RFX has been recommended by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the European Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines for the treatment of HE. RFX may contribute to restore hepatic function and to decrease the development of liver fibrosis. Its efficacy has been shown in patients with previous hepatic encephalopathy and several complications, such as infections, including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, ascites and oesophageal variceal bleeding. Thus, RFX has an outstanding role in the therapeutic arsenal in hepatic cirrhosis, under the concept of disease modifier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Torre
- Guest Research, Metabolic Unit Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas Y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, México City, Mexico
- Guest Research, Liver Unit Department, Hospital General de México, México City, Mexico
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Fiorillo A, Gallego JJ, Casanova-Ferrer F, Urios A, Ballester MP, San Miguel T, Megías J, Kosenko E, Tosca J, Rios MP, Escudero-García D, Montoliu C. Neurofilament Light Chain Protein in Plasma and Extracellular Vesicles Is Associated with Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy and Responses to Rifaximin Treatment in Cirrhotic Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14727. [PMID: 37834174 PMCID: PMC10572420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) levels reflect neuronal damage in several neurological diseases and have been proposed as a possible biomarker. Plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) could play an important role as mediators of the inflammatory changes associated with inducing minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in cirrhotic patients. This study investigated the association of NfL levels in plasma and EVs with the presence of MHE in cirrhotic patients, and with responses to rifaximin treatment. The NfL levels in plasma and EVs were assessed in 71 patients with liver cirrhosis (40 with MHE and 31 without MHE) and 26 controls. A total of 31 patients with MHE received rifaximin treatment. We examined changes in NfL levels in plasma and EVs before and after 6 months of rifaximin treatment. The NfL measures were correlated with cognitive alterations and plasma inflammatory cytokines. MHE patients showed increased plasma levels of NfL, which were reverted after rifaximin treatment in patients who responded to treatment. The NfL content in EVs also showed a reversal pattern in MHE patients treated with rifaximin. In multivariable analyses, NfL levels were independently associated with the presence of MHE. We also showed that patients with high levels of both ammonia and fractalkine had significantly higher NfL levels than patients with low levels of least one of these parameters. Rifaximin treatment in MHE patients showed promising results in improving axonal damage, suggesting that rifaximin may have therapeutic benefits against disease progression in MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Fiorillo
- Fundación de Investigación, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (J.J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (A.U.)
| | - Juan José Gallego
- Fundación de Investigación, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (J.J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (A.U.)
| | - Franc Casanova-Ferrer
- Fundación de Investigación, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (J.J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (A.U.)
| | - Amparo Urios
- Fundación de Investigación, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (J.J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (A.U.)
| | - María-Pilar Ballester
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.-P.B.); (J.T.); (D.E.-G.)
| | - Teresa San Miguel
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (T.S.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Javier Megías
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (T.S.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Elena Kosenko
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Joan Tosca
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.-P.B.); (J.T.); (D.E.-G.)
| | - Maria-Pilar Rios
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Desamparados Escudero-García
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.-P.B.); (J.T.); (D.E.-G.)
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Fundación de Investigación, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (J.J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (A.U.)
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (T.S.M.); (J.M.)
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Zacharias HD, Kamel F, Tan J, Kimer N, Gluud LL, Morgan MY. Rifaximin for prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in people with cirrhosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 7:CD011585. [PMID: 37467180 PMCID: PMC10360160 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011585.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy describes the spectrum of neuropsychiatric changes that may complicate the course of cirrhosis and detrimentally affect outcomes. Ammonia plays a key role in its development. Rifaximin is a non-absorbable antibiotic that inhibits urease-producing bacteria and reduces absorption of dietary and bacterial ammonia. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of rifaximin versus placebo, no intervention, or non-absorbable disaccharides for: (i) the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy, and (ii) the treatment of minimal and overt hepatic encephalopathy, in people with cirrhosis, both when used alone and when combined with a non-absorbable disaccharide. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Clinical Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, three other databases, the reference lists of identified papers, and relevant conference proceedings. We wrote to authors and pharmaceutical companies for information on other published, unpublished, or ongoing trials. Searches were performed to January 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials assessing prevention or treatment of hepatic encephalopathy with rifaximin alone, or with a non-absorbable disaccharide, versus placebo/no intervention, or a non-absorbable disaccharide alone. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Six authors independently searched for studies, extracted data, and validated findings. We assessed the design, bias risk, and participant/intervention characteristics of the included studies. We assessed mortality, serious adverse events, health-related quality of life, hepatic encephalopathy, non-serious adverse events, blood ammonia, Number Connection Test-A, and length of hospital stay. MAIN RESULTS We included 41 trials involving 4545 people with, or at risk for, developing hepatic encephalopathy. We excluded 89 trials and identified 13 ongoing studies. Some trials involved participants with more than one type of hepatic encephalopathy or more than one treatment comparison. Hepatic encephalopathy was classed as acute (13 trials), chronic (7 trials), or minimal (8 trials), or else participants were considered at risk for its development (13 trials). The control groups received placebo (12 trials), no/standard treatment (1 trial), or a non-absorbable disaccharide (14 trials). Eighteen trials assessed rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide versus a non-absorbable disaccharide alone. We classified 11 trials as at high risk of overall bias for mortality and 28 for non-mortality outcomes, mainly due to lack of blinding, incomplete outcome data, and selective reporting. Compared to placebo/no intervention, rifaximin likely has no overall effect on mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50 to 1.38; P = 48, I2 = 0%; 13 trials, 1007 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and there may be no overall effect when compared to non-absorbable disaccharides (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.97; P = 0.97, I2 = 0%; 10 trials, 786 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, there is likely a reduction in the overall risk of mortality when comparing rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide to a non-absorbable disaccharide alone (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.86; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) = 22; P = 0.001, I2 = 0%; 14 trials, 1946 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There is likely no effect on the overall risk of serious adverse events when comparing rifaximin to placebo/no intervention (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.32; P = 68, I2 = 0%; 9 trials, 801 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and there may be no overall effect when compared to non-absorbable disaccharides (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.40; P = 85, I2 = 0%; 8 trials, 681 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, there was very low-certainty evidence that use of rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide may be associated with a lower risk of serious adverse events than use of a non-absorbable disaccharide alone (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.98; P = 0.04, I2 = 60%; 7 trials, 1076 participants). Rifaximin likely results in an overall effect on health-related quality of life when compared to placebo/no intervention (mean difference (MD) -1.43, 95% CI -2.87 to 0.02; P = 0.05, I2 = 81%; 4 trials, 214 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and may benefit health-related quality of life in people with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MD -2.07, 95% CI -2.79 to -1.35; P < 0.001, I2 = 0%; 3 trials, 176 participants). The overall effect on health-related quality of life when comparing rifaximin to non-absorbable disaccharides is very uncertain (MD -0.33, 95% CI -1.65 to 0.98; P = 0.62, I2 = 0%; 2 trials, 249 participants; very low-certainty evidence). None of the combined rifaximin/non-absorbable disaccharide trials reported on this outcome. There is likely an overall beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy when comparing rifaximin to placebo/no intervention (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.77; NNTB = 5; P < 0.001, I2 = 68%; 13 trials, 1009 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). This effect may be more marked in people with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.52; NNTB = 3; P < 0.001, I2 = 10%; 6 trials, 364 participants) and in prevention trials (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.91; NNTB = 10; P = 0.007, I2 = 36%; 4 trials, 474 participants). There may be little overall effect on hepatic encephalopathy when comparing rifaximin to non-absorbable disaccharides (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.05; P = 0.13, I2 = 0%; 13 trials, 921 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, there may be an overall beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy when comparing rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide to a non-absorbable disaccharide alone (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.71; NNTB = 5; P < 0.001, I2 = 62%; 17 trials, 2332 participants; low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Compared to placebo/no intervention, rifaximin likely improves health-related quality of life in people with minimal hepatic encephalopathy, and may improve hepatic encephalopathy, particularly in populations with minimal hepatic encephalopathy and when it is used for prevention. Rifaximin likely has no overall effect on mortality, serious adverse events, health-related quality of life, or hepatic encephalopathy compared to non-absorbable disaccharides. However, when used in combination with a non-absorbable disaccharide, it likely reduces overall mortality risk, the risk of serious adverse events, improves hepatic encephalopathy, reduces the length of hospital stay, and prevents the occurrence/recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy. The certainty of evidence for these outcomes is very low to moderate; further high-quality trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry D Zacharias
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fady Kamel
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jaclyn Tan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nina Kimer
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Marsha Y Morgan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
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11
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Pandico F, Citarella A, Cammarota S, Bernardi FF, Claar E, Coppola C, Cozzolino M, De Rosa F, Di Gennaro M, Fogliasecca M, Giordana R, Pacella D, Russo A, Salerno V, Scafa L, Trama U. Rifaximin Use, Adherence and Persistence in Patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Real-World Study in the South of Italy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4515. [PMID: 37445550 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Real-world data on the therapeutic management of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) patients are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the HE medications prescribed in an Italian cohort of HE patients post-discharge and to assess the real-world rifaximin adherence and persistence over 1 year. An observation retrospective study was conducted using data retrieved from outpatient pharmaceutical databases and hospital discharge records of the Campania region. For all subjects hospitalized for HE during 2019 (cohort 1), the HE medications prescribed within 60 days after discharge were evaluated. Adherence (proportion of days covered, PDC) and persistence were estimated for rifaximin 550 mg incident users over 1 year (cohort 2). Patients with PDC ≥80% were considered adherents. Persistence was defined as the period of time from the first rifaximin prescription to the date of discontinuation. Discontinuation was assessed using the permissible gap method. In cohort 1, 544 patients were identified; 58.5% received rifaximin while 15.6% only received non-absorbable disaccharides and 25.9% did not receive any HE medications. In cohort 2, 650 users were selected; only 54.5% were adherents and 35% were persistent users at 1 year. This real-world study highlights that quality improvement in therapeutic management is needed to potentially improve the outcomes of HE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Pandico
- Department of Territorial Pharmaceuticals, Local Health Authority of Caserta, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Anna Citarella
- LinkHealth Health Economics, Outcomes & Epidemiology S.R.L., 80143 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Cammarota
- LinkHealth Health Economics, Outcomes & Epidemiology S.R.L., 80143 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Ernesto Claar
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, 80147 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Coppola
- Unit of Hepatology and Interventional Ultrasonography, Department of Internal Medicine, OORR Area Stabiese, 80054 Gragnano, Italy
| | - Marianna Cozzolino
- Department of Territorial Pharmaceuticals, Local Health Authority of Caserta, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Federica De Rosa
- Postgraduate School in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Gennaro
- Innovation and Data Analytics (So.Re.Sa), Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy
| | - Marianna Fogliasecca
- LinkHealth Health Economics, Outcomes & Epidemiology S.R.L., 80143 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Giordana
- Monitoring of Public Healthcare System (So.Re.Sa), Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Pacella
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Russo
- Monitoring of Public Healthcare System (So.Re.Sa), Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy
| | - Vito Salerno
- Monitoring of Public Healthcare System (So.Re.Sa), Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Scafa
- Monitoring of Public Healthcare System (So.Re.Sa), Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy
| | - Ugo Trama
- Regional Pharmaceutical Unit, Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy
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12
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Israelsen M, Madsen BS, Torp N, Johansen S, Hansen CD, Detlefsen S, Andersen P, Hansen JK, Lindvig KP, Rasmussen DN, Thorhauge KH, Kjærgaard M, Karsdal M, Hansen T, Arumugam M, Trebicka J, Thiele M, Krag A. Rifaximin-α for liver fibrosis in patients with alcohol-related liver disease (GALA-RIF): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:523-532. [PMID: 36893774 PMCID: PMC10172147 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol is the leading cause of liver-related mortality worldwide. The gut-liver axis is considered a key driver in alcohol-related liver disease. Rifaximin-α improves gut-barrier function and reduces systemic inflammation in patients with cirrhosis. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of rifaximin-α with placebo in patients with alcohol-related liver disease. METHODS GALA-RIF was an investigator-initiated, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-centre, phase 2 trial done at Odense University Hospital in Denmark. Eligible participants were adults (aged 18-75 years) who had current or previous alcohol overuse (at least 1 year with ≥24 g of alcohol per day for women and ≥36 g of alcohol per day for men), biopsy-proven alcohol-related liver disease, and no previous hepatic decompensation. Patients were randomly allocated (1:1) through a web-based randomisation system to receive oral rifaximin-α (550 mg) twice daily or matched placebo for 18 months. Randomisation was done in blocks of four and stratified according to fibrosis stage and alcohol abstinence. Participants, sponsor, investigators, and nurses involved in the study were masked to the randomisation outcome. The primary endpoint was a histological decrease from baseline to 18-month treatment of at least one fibrosis stage, according to the Kleiner fibrosis score. We also assessed the number of patients with progression by at least one fibrosis stage from baseline to 18 months. Primary analyses were done in the per-protocol and modified intention-to-treat populations; safety was assessed in the full intention-to-treat population. The per-protocol population was defined as all randomly assigned patients who did not present serious protocol violations, who ingested at least 75% of the treatment, and who were not withdrawn from the study due to non-adherence (interruption of treatment for 4 weeks or more). Participants receiving at least one dose of the intervention were included in the modified intention-to-treat analyses. This completed trial is registered with EudraCT, number 2014-001856-51. FINDINGS Between March 23, 2015, and Nov 10, 2021, we screened 1886 consecutive patients with a history of excessive alcohol consumption and no previous hepatic decompensation, of whom 136 were randomly assigned to either rifaximin-α (n=68) or placebo (n=68). All patients were White (100%), 114 (84%) were men, and 22 (16%) were women. 133 (98%) patients received at least one dose of the intervention and were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis; 108 (79%) completed the trial per protocol. In the per-protocol analysis, 14 (26%) of 54 patients in the rifaximin-α group and 15 (28%) of 54 patients in the placebo group had a decrease in fibrosis stage after 18 months (odds ratio 1·10 [95% CI 0·45-2·68]; p=0·83). In the modified intention-to-treat analysis, 15 (22%) of 67 patients in the rifaximin-α group and 15 (23%) of 66 patients in the placebo group had a decrease in fibrosis stage at 18 months (1·05 [0·45-2·44]; p=0·91). In the per-protocol analysis, increase in fibrosis stage occurred in 13 (24%) patients in the rifaximin-α group and 23 (43%) patients in the placebo group (0·42 [0·18-0·98]; p=0·044). In the modified intention-to-treat analysis, increase in fibrosis stage occurred in 13 (19%) patients in the rifaximin-α group and 23 (35%) patients in the placebo group (0·45 [0·20-1·02]; p=0·055). The number of patients with adverse events (48 [71%] of 68 patients in the rifaximin-α group; 53 [78%] of 68 in the placebo group) and serious adverse events (14 [21%] in the rifaximin-α group; 12 [18%] in the placebo group) was similar between the groups. No serious adverse events were deemed related to treatment. Three patients died during the trial, but none of the deaths were considered treatment related. INTERPRETATION In patients with alcohol-related liver disease, rifaximin-α might reduce progression of liver fibrosis. These findings warrant confirmation in a multicentre phase 3 trial. FUNDING The EU Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program and The Novo Nordisk Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Israelsen
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Bjørn Stæhr Madsen
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Nikolaj Torp
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Stine Johansen
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Camilla Dalby Hansen
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sönke Detlefsen
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peter Andersen
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Johanne Kragh Hansen
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Katrine Prier Lindvig
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ditlev Nytoft Rasmussen
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Katrine Holtz Thorhauge
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Kjærgaard
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten Karsdal
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Nordic Bioscience Biomarkers and Research, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Torben Hansen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Manimozhiyan Arumugam
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Internal Medicine B, Münster University Hospital, WWU, Münster, Germany; European Foundation for Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maja Thiele
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Aleksander Krag
- Odense Liver Research Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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13
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Chow KW, Ibrahim BM, Yum JJ, Dang A, Dang L, Chen KT, Jackson NJ, Saab S. Barriers to Lactulose Adherence in Patients with Cirrhosis and Hepatic Encephalopathy. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:2389-2397. [PMID: 37119376 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07935-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with cirrhosis. Lactulose non-adherence is one of the most frequently reported precipitants of hospital admission for HE. AIMS We aimed to identify which factors contribute most to lactulose non-adherence and propose strategies to promote greater adherence and utilization of lactulose. METHODS Participants in this study consisted of patients with cirrhosis who were taking lactulose for prevention of HE. Subjects were administered the Morisky Adherence Scale 8 (MAS-8) and a customized 16-question survey that assessed barriers to lactulose adherence. Results from the MAS-8 were used to stratify subjects into "adherent" and "non-adherent" groups. Survey responses were compared between groups. RESULTS We enrolled 129 patients in our study, of whom 45 were categorized as "adherent and 72 were categorized as "non-adherent." Barriers to adherence included large volumes of lactulose, high frequency of dosing, difficulty remembering to take the medication, unpleasant taste, and medication side-effects. Most patients (97%) expressed understanding of the importance of lactulose, and 71% of patients felt that lactulose was working to manage their HE. Hospital admission rates for HE was higher in non-adherent patients, although this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION We identified several factors that contribute to lactulose non-adherence among patients treated for HE. Many of these factors are potentially modifiable. Patient and care-giver education are critical to assure adherence. Pharmacists and nurses are an essential but underutilized aspect of education regarding proper medication use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth W Chow
- Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Brittney M Ibrahim
- Department of Medicine, Pfleger Liver Institute, UCLA Medical Center, 200 Medical Plaza, Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jung J Yum
- Department of Medicine, Pfleger Liver Institute, UCLA Medical Center, 200 Medical Plaza, Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Surgery, Pfleger Liver Institute, UCLA Medical Center, 200 Medical Plaza, Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - An Dang
- Department of Medicine, Pfleger Liver Institute, UCLA Medical Center, 200 Medical Plaza, Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Long Dang
- Department of Medicine, Pfleger Liver Institute, UCLA Medical Center, 200 Medical Plaza, Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kuan-Ting Chen
- University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Sammy Saab
- Department of Medicine, Pfleger Liver Institute, UCLA Medical Center, 200 Medical Plaza, Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Pfleger Liver Institute, UCLA Medical Center, 200 Medical Plaza, Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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14
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Thabut D, Bouzbib C, Meunier L, Haas M, Weiss N, Louvet A, Imbert-Bismut F, Mochel F, Nadjar Y, Santiago A, Thevenot T, Duhalde V, Oberti F, Francoz C, Coilly A, Hilleret MN, Lebray P, Liou-Schischmanoff A, Barbier L, Duvoux C, Pageaux GP, Bismuth M, Galanaud D, Broucker TD, Cadranel JF, Leroy V, Di Martino V, Larrey D, Camus C, Scatton O, De Ledinghen V, Mallat A, Rudler M, Bureau C. Diagnosis and management of hepatic encephalopathy: The French recommendations. Liver Int 2023; 43:750-762. [PMID: 36625084 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent and severe complication of liver disease with poor patient outcomes. However, it is a poorly understood complication, with no consensus for diagnosis. Therefore, HE is often underdiagnosed. Differential diagnosis may be cumbersome because of non-specific symptoms, such as confusion, cognitive disorders, the aetiological factors of cirrhosis and comorbidities, which are often observed in cirrhotic patients. Therefore, an overt or covert form of HE should be systematically investigated. Advice is provided to drive patient work-up. Effective treatments are available to prevent or treat HE bouts, but the issue of single or combination therapy has not been resolved. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement largely improved the prognosis of cirrhotic patients, but HE occurrence of HE is often a fear, even when post-TIPS HE can be avoided by a careful selection of patients and preventive treatment. HE is an indication of liver transplantation. However, its reversibility post-transplantation and the consequences of transplantation in patients with other causes of neurological disorders remain controversial, which supports the performance of an extensive work-up in expert centres for this subset of patients. The present guidelines assist clinicians in the diagnosis of the overt or covert form of HE to implement curative and preventive treatments and clarify which patients require referral to expert centres for consideration for liver transplantation. These guidelines are very clinically oriented and address different frequent clinical issues to help physicians make bedside decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Thabut
- APHP-Sorbonne Université, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière. INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN). Brain-Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière Study Group (BLIPS), Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Bouzbib
- APHP-Sorbonne Université, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière. INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN). Brain-Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière Study Group (BLIPS), Paris, France
| | - Lucy Meunier
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie A et Transplantation, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Manon Haas
- APHP-Paris Saclay, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Université Paris-saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Nicolas Weiss
- APHP-Sorbonne Université, Service de réanimation neurologique, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière. INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN). Brain-Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière Study Group (BLIPS), Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Louvet
- Services des maladies de l'appareil digestif, CHRU de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Francois Imbert-Bismut
- APHP-Sorbonne Université, Service de biochimie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Fanny Mochel
- APHP-Sorbonne Université, Service de génétique, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Yann Nadjar
- APHP-Sorbonne Université, Service de neurologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Santiago
- APHP-Sorbonne Université, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière. INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN). Brain-Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière Study Group (BLIPS), Paris, France
| | - Thierry Thevenot
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Jean Minjoz, CHU de Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Véronique Duhalde
- Service de pharmacie, Hôpital Rangueil, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Frédéric Oberti
- Laboratoire HIFIH, UPRES-EA2170, Faculté de Médecine, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, CHU ANGERS, Angers, France
| | - Claire Francoz
- APHP-Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'hépatologie, Clichy, France
| | - Audrey Coilly
- APHP-Paris Saclay, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Université Paris-saclay, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Pascal Lebray
- APHP-Sorbonne Université, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière. INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN). Brain-Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière Study Group (BLIPS), Paris, France
| | | | - Louise Barbier
- Service de chirurgie hépatique et transplantation, CHU de Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - Georges-Philippe Pageaux
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie A et Transplantation, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Michael Bismuth
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie B, Hôpital Saint Eloi, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Damien Galanaud
- APHP-Sorbonne Université, Service de neuro-radiologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Thomas De Broucker
- Service de Neurologie Hôpital Pierre Delafontaine, Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Denis, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Jean-François Cadranel
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie de nutrition et d'Alcoologie-GHPSO site de Creil, Creil, France
| | - Vincent Leroy
- APHP Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Service d'hépatologie, Créteil, France
| | - Vincent Di Martino
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Jean Minjoz, CHU de Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Dominique Larrey
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie A et Transplantation, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Christophe Camus
- Service de réanimation Médicale, Hôpital Pontchaillou, CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Olivier Scatton
- APHP-Sorbonne Université, Service de chirurgie et transplantation hépatique, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Victor De Ledinghen
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital du Haut-Lévêque, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ariane Mallat
- APHP Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Service d'hépatologie, Créteil, France
| | - Marika Rudler
- APHP-Sorbonne Université, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière. INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN). Brain-Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière Study Group (BLIPS), Paris, France
| | - Christophe Bureau
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Rangueil, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
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15
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Ikeuchi K, Tsutsumi T, Ishizaka A, Mizutani T, Sedohara A, Koga M, Tamaoki S, Yotsuyanagi H. Modulation of duodenal and jejunal microbiota by rifaximin in mice with CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis. Gut Pathog 2023; 15:14. [PMID: 36945059 PMCID: PMC10029291 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-023-00541-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rifaximin is a poorly absorbed broad-spectrum antibiotic used for hepatic encephalopathy. Although increased Lactobacillaceae and decreased Bacteroidetes abundance are characteristic of hepatic encephalopathy, rifaximin does not dramatically alter the stool microbiota. As the antimicrobial effect of rifaximin increases by micellization with bile acids, we hypothesized that rifaximin alters the microbiota in the duodenum and jejunum, where the levels of bile acids are abundant. METHODS AND RESULTS Eight-week-old BALB/c mice were injected with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intraperitoneally for 12 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. The mice were grouped into the control (n = 9), CCl4 (n = 13), and rifaximin group in which mice were treated with rifaximin for two weeks after CCl4 administration (n = 13). We analyzed the microbiota of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and stool using 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis. The content of Lactobacillaceae, the most abundant bacterial family in the duodenum and small intestine, increased in the CCl4 group, especially in the jejunum (median 67.0% vs 87.8%, p = 0.03). Rifaximin significantly decreased Lactobacillaceae content in the duodenum (median 79.4% vs 19.0%, p = 0.006) and jejunum (median 87.8% vs 61.3%, p = 0.03), but not in the ileum, cecum, and stool. Bacteroidetes abundance tended to decrease on CCl4 administration and increased following rifaximin treatment in the duodenum and jejunum. S24_7, the most abundant family in Bacteroidetes, demonstrated a significant inverse correlation with Lactobacillaceae (duodenum, r = - 0.61, p < 0.001; jejunum, r = - 0.72, p < 0.001). In the ileum, cecum, and stool, the effect of rifaximin on the microbiota was minimal, with changes within the same phylum. The percentage of bacterial families, such as Lactobacillaceae and S24_7 in the duodenum and small intestine, did not correlate with that in the stool. CONCLUSIONS The abundance of Lactobacillaceae increased in the jejunum of mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, while rifaximin significantly reduced it in the duodenum and jejunum. Thus, rifaximin possibly exerts its effect by altering the duodenal and jejunal microbiota. Furthermore, changes in the duodenal and small intestinal microbiota were not associated with that of stool, suggesting that the analysis of stool microbiota is insufficient to evaluate upper intestinal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Ikeuchi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Takeya Tsutsumi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Aya Ishizaka
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Taketoshi Mizutani
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Ayako Sedohara
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Michiko Koga
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Satoru Tamaoki
- Medical Affairs Department, ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 2-5-1, Shibaura, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8532, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yotsuyanagi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
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16
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Rifaximin Improves Liver Functional Reserve by Regulating Systemic Inflammation. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062210. [PMID: 36983211 PMCID: PMC10054398 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rifaximin, a non-absorbable antibiotic, has been demonstrated to be effective against hepatic encephalopathy (HE); however, its efficacy on liver functional reserve remains unknown. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of rifaximin on the liver functional reserve and serological inflammation-based markers in patients with cirrhosis. A retrospective study was conducted on patients who received rifaximin for more than three months at our hospital between November 2016 and October 2021. The recurrence and grade of HE, serological ammonia levels, Child–Pugh score (CPS), and serological inflammation-based markers such as the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte–monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and CRP to albumin ratio (CAR) were evaluated. The correlations between serological inflammation-based markers and liver functional reserve were evaluated. HE grades, serum ammonia levels, and inflammation-based markers significantly improved at three months compared with those at baseline. Patients with improved albumin levels showed significantly higher CRP improvement rates at both 3 and 12 months. Patients with an improvement in CAR at 3 months demonstrated a significant improvement in CPS at 12 months. Rifaximin improved the liver functional reserve in patients with cirrhosis. Improvements in inflammation-based markers, particularly CRP and albumin, may be involved in this process.
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17
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Bajaj JS, Hassanein TI, Pyrsopoulos NT, Sanyal AJ, Rahimi RS, Heimanson Z, Israel RJ, Rockey DC. Dosing of Rifaximin Soluble Solid Dispersion Tablets in Adults With Cirrhosis: 2 Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trials. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:723-731.e9. [PMID: 35750249 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cirrhosis-related complications are a major burden. Rifaximin soluble solid dispersion (SSD) tablets (immediate-release [IR]; sustained extended-release [SER]) were designed to increase rifaximin water solubility. These analyses evaluate dosing for prevention of cirrhosis complication-related hospitalizations/mortality and overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) treatment. METHODS Two phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were conducted. Trial 1: outpatients with early decompensated cirrhosis randomized to placebo or rifaximin SSD once-nightly: IR 40 or 80 mg, SER 40 or 80 mg, or IR 80 mg plus SER 80 mg, for 24 weeks. Trial 2: inpatients with OHE randomized to lactulose plus placebo or rifaximin SSD: IR 40 mg once or twice daily or SER 80 mg once or twice daily for ≤14 days. Primary efficacy endpoint: time to cirrhosis complication-related hospitalization/all-cause mortality (Trial 1) or time to OHE resolution (Trial 2). RESULTS In Trial 1 (n = 516), no significant difference in time to cirrhosis complication-related hospitalization/all-cause mortality vs placebo. In a post hoc analysis, time to all-cause hospitalization/all-cause mortality was improved with IR 40 mg vs placebo (15.4% [12/78] vs 27.7% [26/94]; P = .03). A Trial 2 prespecified interim analysis (n = 71) showed lactulose plus rifaximin SSD IR 40 mg bid significantly reduced median time to OHE resolution (21.1 hours) vs lactulose plus placebo (62.7 hours; P = .02). Trial 2 was subsequently terminated. CONCLUSION Rifaximin SSD IR 40 mg may reduce hospitalizations in patients with cirrhosis and shorten duration of OHE during hospitalization-considered a negative finding, yet also hypothesis-generating. (ClinicalTrials.govNCT01904409; NCT03515044).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; Division of Gastroenterology, Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia.
| | | | - Nikolaos T Pyrsopoulos
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Robert S Rahimi
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott and White, Dallas, Texas
| | | | | | - Don C Rockey
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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18
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Bitto N, Ghigliazza G, Lavorato S, Caputo C, La Mura V. Improving Management of Portal Hypertension: The Potential Benefit of Non-Etiological Therapies in Cirrhosis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030934. [PMID: 36769582 PMCID: PMC9917703 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension is the consequence of cirrhosis and results from increased sinusoidal vascular resistance and hepatic blood inflow. Etiological therapies represent the first intervention to prevent a significant increase in portal pressure due to chronic liver damage. However, other superimposed pathophysiological drivers may worsen liver disease, including inflammation, bacterial translocation, endothelial dysfunction, and hyperactivation of hemostasis. These mechanisms can be targeted by a specific class of drugs already used in clinical practice. Albumin, rifaximin, statins, aspirin, and anticoagulants have been tested in cirrhosis and were a topic of discussion in the last Baveno consensus as non-etiological therapies. Based on the pathogenesis of portal hypertension in cirrhosis, our review summarizes the main mechanisms targeted by these drugs as well as the clinical evidence that considers them a valid complementary option to manage patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Bitto
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ghigliazza
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Division of Sub-Intensive Care Medicine, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stanislao Lavorato
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Caputo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo La Mura
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Cabrera-Pastor A, Martínez-García M, Sánchez-Huertas C, Hernández A, Moreno-Manzano V, Felipo V. Extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells reduce neuroinflammation in hippocampus and restore cognitive function in hyperammonemic rats. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:1. [PMID: 36593485 PMCID: PMC9806918 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02688-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hyperammonemia, a main contributor to hepatic encephalopathy (HE), leads to neuroinflammation which alters neurotransmission leading to cognitive impairment. There are no specific treatments for the neurological alterations in HE. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reduce neuroinflammation in some pathological conditions. The aims were to assess if treatment of hyperammonemic rats with EVs from MSCs restores cognitive function and analyze the underlying mechanisms. EVs injected in vivo reach the hippocampus and restore performance of hyperammonemic rats in object location, object recognition, short-term memory in the Y-maze and reference memory in the radial maze. Hyperammonemic rats show reduced TGFβ levels and membrane expression of TGFβ receptors in hippocampus. This leads to microglia activation and reduced Smad7-IkB pathway, which induces NF-κB nuclear translocation in neurons, increasing IL-1β which alters AMPA and NMDA receptors membrane expression, leading to cognitive impairment. These effects are reversed by TGFβ in the EVs from MSCs, which activates TGFβ receptors, reducing microglia activation and NF-κB nuclear translocation in neurons by normalizing the Smad7-IkB pathway. This normalizes IL-1β, AMPA and NMDA receptors membrane expression and, therefore, cognitive function. EVs from MSCs may be useful to improve cognitive function in patients with hyperammonemia and minimal HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Izquierdo-Altarejos
- grid.418274.c0000 0004 0399 600XLaboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo-Yufera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrea Cabrera-Pastor
- grid.418274.c0000 0004 0399 600XLaboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo-Yufera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain ,grid.476458.c0000 0004 0427 8560Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mar Martínez-García
- grid.418274.c0000 0004 0399 600XLaboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo-Yufera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Sánchez-Huertas
- grid.418274.c0000 0004 0399 600XNeuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain ,grid.466805.90000 0004 1759 6875Laboratory of Bilateral Neural Circuits, Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH), Alicante, Spain
| | - Alberto Hernández
- grid.418274.c0000 0004 0399 600XOptical and Confocal Microscopy Service, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Victoria Moreno-Manzano
- grid.418274.c0000 0004 0399 600XNeuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- grid.418274.c0000 0004 0399 600XLaboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo-Yufera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain
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20
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Aspinall RJ, Hudson M, Ryder SD, Richardson P, Farrington E, Wright M, Przemioslo RT, Perez F, Kent M, Henrar R, Hickey J, Shawcross DL. Real-world evidence of long-term survival and healthcare resource use in patients with hepatic encephalopathy receiving rifaximin-α treatment: a retrospective observational extension study with long-term follow-up (IMPRESS II). Frontline Gastroenterol 2022; 14:228-235. [PMID: 37056320 PMCID: PMC10086718 DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2022-102221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To describe survival of patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE), up to 5 years after initiation of rifaximin-α (RFX) treatment. Design/Method A retrospective, observational extension study within 9 National Health Service secondary/tertiary UK care centres. All patients had a clinical diagnosis of HE, were being treated with RFX and were included in the previous IMPRESS study which reported the 1-year experience. Demographics, clinical outcomes, selected cirrhosis-related complications, hospital admissions and attendances up to 5 years from RFX initiation were extracted from patient medical records and hospital electronic databases. The primary outcome measure was survival at 5 years post-initiation of RFX treatment. Results The study included 138 patients. The survival rate at 5 years post-initiation of RFX was 35% (95% CI 28.2% to 44.4%) overall and 36% (95% CI 26.1% to 45.4%) for patients with alcohol-related liver disease. Median survival from RFX initiation was 2.8 years (95% CI 2.0 to 3.8; n=136). Among 48 patients alive at 5 years, 69% remained on RFX treatment at the end of the observation period, 74% reported no cirrhosis-related complications and 24% (9/37) had received a liver transplant. Between 1 and 5 years post-initiation, total numbers of liver-related emergency department visits, inpatient admissions, intensive care unit admissions and outpatient visits were 84, 194, 3 and 709, respectively; the liver-related 30-day readmission rate was 37%. Conclusion Within UK clinical practice, RFX use in HE was associated with a 35% survival rate with high treatment adherence, 76% transplant-free survival rate, minimal healthcare resource and low rates of complications at 5 years post-initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Aspinall
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Mark Hudson
- Formerly Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stephen D Ryder
- NIHR Biomedical Research Unit in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul Richardson
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Elizabeth Farrington
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Cornwall, UK
| | - Mark Wright
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Francisco Perez
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of North Durham, Durham, UK
| | - Melanie Kent
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of North Durham, Durham, UK
| | | | | | - Debbie L Shawcross
- Institute of Liver Studies, Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
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21
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Vidal-Cevallos P, Chávez-Tapia NC, Uribe M. Current approaches to hepatic encephalopathy. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100757. [PMID: 36115576 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and/or portosystemic shunts. Between 30%-40% of patients with cirrhosis will present overt HE during their lifetime. While the pathophysiology of HE is not entirely understood, three critical factors have been identified: hyperammonaemia, systemic inflammation and oxidative stress by glutaminase gene alterations. Minimal HE is defined by the presence of signs of cognitive abnormalities in a patient without asterixis or disorientation; it can only be diagnosed with neuropsychological or psychometric tests. The diagnosis of overt HE is based on clinical examination with clinical scales. Currently, only overt HE should be routinely treated. The aims of treatment in an acute episode should be to improve the mental status, identify and treat the precipitating factor, reduce duration and limit consequences. Treatment strategies are targeted at reducing ammonia production and/or increasing its elimination. Even though minimal HE has negative effects on the patient's quality of life and effects on prognosis, indications for treatment are still controversial. There are still many unanswered questions regarding the pathophysiology and management of HE. We should also endeavor to develop more accurate and objective diagnostic methods for overt HE that would permit early detection and help improve outcomes on quality of life and economic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Vidal-Cevallos
- Obesity and Digestive Disease Unit, Medica Sur Clinic and Foundation, Puente de Piedra 150, col. Toriello Guerra, C.P. 14050, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Norberto C Chávez-Tapia
- Obesity and Digestive Disease Unit, Medica Sur Clinic and Foundation, Puente de Piedra 150, col. Toriello Guerra, C.P. 14050, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Misael Uribe
- Obesity and Digestive Disease Unit, Medica Sur Clinic and Foundation, Puente de Piedra 150, col. Toriello Guerra, C.P. 14050, Mexico City, Mexico.
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22
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Yokoyama K, Fukuda H, Yamauchi R, Higashi M, Miyayama T, Higashi T, Uchida Y, Shibata K, Tsuchiya N, Fukunaga A, Umeda K, Takata K, Tanaka T, Shakado S, Sakisaka S, Hirai F. Long-Term Effects of Rifaximin on Patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy: Its Possible Effects on the Improvement in the Blood Ammonia Concentration Levels, Hepatic Spare Ability and Refractory Ascites. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58091276. [PMID: 36143954 PMCID: PMC9501622 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58091276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To investigate the long-term efficacy of rifaximin (RFX) for hyperammonemia and efficacy for refractory ascites in patients with cirrhosis. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 112 patients with liver cirrhosis who were orally administered RFX in this study. Changes in the clinical data of patients were evaluated up to 36 months after RFX administration. The primary endpoint was a change in blood ammonia levels. Secondary endpoints included changes in clinical symptoms, Child−Pugh (CP) score, number of hospitalizations, degree of refractory ascites, adverse events, and the relationship between RFX administration and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Results: An improved rate of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) of 82.7% was observed 3 months after RFX administration, which significantly induced a progressive decrease in blood ammonia concentration and an improved CP score up to 36 months. No serious RFX treatment-related adverse events were observed. 36.5% in patients after RFX administration improved refractory ascites. After RFX administration, patients with satisfactory control of hepatic ascites without addition of diuretic had lower renin concentration than those with poor control (p < 0.01). At less than 41 pg/mL renin concentration, the control of refractory ascites was significantly satisfactory (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: RFX reduced blood ammonia concentration and improved hepatic spare ability and the quality of life of patients with long-term HE to up to 36 months. Our study revealed the effects of RFX against refractory ascites, suggesting that renin concentration may be a predictive marker for assessing ascites control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Yokoyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-92-801-1011 (ext. 3355)
| | - Hiromi Fukuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryo Yamauchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masashi Higashi
- Higashi Hospital, 593-1 Hirotsu, Yositomi-machi, Chikujo-gun 871-0811, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Miyayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Higashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yotaro Uchida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kumiko Shibata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naoaki Tsuchiya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Fukunaga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kaoru Umeda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Takata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shakado
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shotaro Sakisaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Fumihito Hirai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
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23
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Sharma K, Akre S, Chakole S, Wanjari MB. Hepatic Encephalopathy and Treatment Modalities: A Review Article. Cureus 2022; 14:e28016. [PMID: 36134085 PMCID: PMC9470972 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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24
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Häussinger D, Dhiman RK, Felipo V, Görg B, Jalan R, Kircheis G, Merli M, Montagnese S, Romero-Gomez M, Schnitzler A, Taylor-Robinson SD, Vilstrup H. Hepatic encephalopathy. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2022; 8:43. [PMID: 35739133 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-022-00366-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a prognostically relevant neuropsychiatric syndrome that occurs in the course of acute or chronic liver disease. Besides ascites and variceal bleeding, it is the most serious complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis. Ammonia and inflammation are major triggers for the appearance of HE, which in patients with liver cirrhosis involves pathophysiologically low-grade cerebral oedema with oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation and disturbances of oscillatory networks in the brain. Severity classification and diagnostic approaches regarding mild forms of HE are still a matter of debate. Current medical treatment predominantly involves lactulose and rifaximin following rigorous treatment of so-called known HE precipitating factors. New treatments based on an improved pathophysiological understanding are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Häussinger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Radha K Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, (Uttar Pradesh), India
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Boris Görg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group ILDH, Division of Medicine, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK.,European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerald Kircheis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Diabetology and Hepatology, University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel, Brandenburg Medical School, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Manuela Merli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Universita' degli Studi di Roma - Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Manuel Romero-Gomez
- UCM Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (HUVR/CSIC/US), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Simon D Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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25
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Clostridioides difficile Infection in Liver Cirrhosis: A Concise Review. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 2022:4209442. [PMID: 35711246 PMCID: PMC9197604 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4209442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive bacillus with fecal-oral transmission and is currently one of the most common nosocomial infections worldwide, which was renamed Clostridioides difficile in 2016. Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a prevalent infection in cirrhosis and negatively affects prognosis. This study aimed to provide a concise review with clinical practice implications. The prevalence of CDI in cirrhotic patients increases, while the associated mortality decreases. Multiple groups of risk factors increase the likelihood of CDI in patients with cirrhosis, such as antibiotic use, the severity of cirrhosis, some comorbidities, and demographic aspects. Treatment in the general population is currently described in the latest guidelines. In patients with cirrhosis, rifaximin and lactulose have been shown to reduce CDI risk due to their modulatory effects on the intestinal flora, although conflicting results exist. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a treatment for the second or subsequent CDI recurrences has demonstrated a good safety and efficacy in cirrhosis and CDI. Future validation in more prospective studies is needed. Screening of asymptomatic patients appears to be discouraged for the prevention currently, with strict hand hygiene and cleaning of the ward and medical equipment surfaces being the cornerstone of minimizing transmission.
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26
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Koepf US, Scheidt S, Hischebeth GTR, Strassburg CP, Wirtz DC, Randau TM, Lutz P. Increased rate of enteric bacteria as cause of periprosthetic joint infections in patients with liver cirrhosis. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:389. [PMID: 35439971 PMCID: PMC9019970 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07379-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are a major complication in joint-arthroplasty. Rifampicin is often used as an additional agent to treat PJI, because it penetrates bacterial biofilms. However, rifaximin, belonging to the same antibiotic class as rifampicin, is frequently used to prevent episodes of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis and may induce resistance to rifampicin. The aim of this study was to examine the microbial pattern of periprosthetic joint infections in cirrhotic patients and to test the hypothesis that intake of rifaximin increases the rate of resistance to rifampicin in periprosthetic joint infections. Methods A cohort of cirrhotic patients and PJI (n = 25) was analysed on the characteristics of bacterial isolates from sonication and tissue analysis. In a second step a subgroup analysis on the development of rifampicin resistant bacterial specimens, depending on the intake of rifaximin (8 rifaximin intake patients vs. 13 non rifaximin intake patients) was performed. Results Intestinal bacteria were found in 50% of the specimens, which was significantly more frequent than in a control cohort. By comparison of the single bacterial isolates, rifampicin resistance was detected in 69.2% (9/13) of the rifaximin-intake samples. In contrast, the non-rifaximin-intake isolates only were resistant to rifampicin in 22.2% (4/18) of the cases (p = 0.01). The odds ratio for developing a rifampicin-resistance through rifaximin intake was calculated as OR = 13.5. Conclusion Periprosthetic joint infections have a high incidence of being caused by enteric bacteria in cirrhotic patients. Due to this change in microbial pattern and the innate resistance to rifampicin of most of gram-negative bacteria, the therapy with rifampicin should be carefully considered. The association between the use of rifaximin and developed resistance to rifampicin has a major impact on the treatment of PJI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uta S Koepf
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Scheidt
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gunnar T R Hischebeth
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian P Strassburg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dieter C Wirtz
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas M Randau
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Lutz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
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27
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Kawaratani H, Kondo Y, Tatsumi R, Kawabe N, Tanabe N, Sakamaki A, Okumoto K, Uchida Y, Endo K, Kawaguchi T, Oikawa T, Ishizu Y, Hige S, Takami T, Terai S, Ueno Y, Mochida S, Takikawa Y, Torimura T, Matsuura T, Ishigami M, Koike K, Yoshiji H. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Rifaximin in Japanese Patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Multicenter Retrospective Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11061571. [PMID: 35329897 PMCID: PMC8948903 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Rifaximin is commonly used for hepatic encephalopathy (HE). However, the effects of long-term treatment for Japanese people are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects and safety of long-term treatment with rifaximin on HE. Methods: A total of 215 patients with cirrhosis administered with rifaximin developed overt or covert HE, which was diagnosed by an attending physician for >12 months. Laboratory data were extracted at pretreatment and 3, 6, and 12 months after rifaximin administration. The long-term effect of rifaximin was evaluated, and the incidence of overt HE during 12 months and adverse events was extracted. Results: Ammonia levels were significantly improved after 3 months of rifaximin administration and were continued until 12 months. There were no serious adverse events after rifaximin administration. The number of overt HE incidents was 9, 14, and 27 patients within 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Liver enzymes, renal function, and electrolytes did not change after rifaximin administration. Prothrombin activity is a significant risk factor for the occurrence of overt HE. The serum albumin, prothrombin activity, and albumin−bilirubin (ALBI) scores were statistically improved after 3 and 6 months of rifaximin administration. Moreover, the same results were obtained in patients with Child−Pugh C. Conclusions: The long-term rifaximin treatment was effective and safe for patients with HE, including Child−Pugh C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideto Kawaratani
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-744-22-3051 (ext. 3514)
| | - Yasuteru Kondo
- Department of Hepatology, Sendai Kousei Hospital, Sendai 980-0873, Japan;
| | - Ryoji Tatsumi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sapporo Kosei General Hospital, Sapporo 060-0033, Japan; (R.T.); (S.H.)
| | - Naoto Kawabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Aichi 470-1192, Japan;
| | - Norikazu Tanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube 755-8505, Japan; (N.T.); (T.T.)
| | - Akira Sakamaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan; (A.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Kazuo Okumoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan; (K.O.); (Y.U.)
| | - Yoshihito Uchida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama 350-0495, Japan; (Y.U.); (S.M.)
| | - Kei Endo
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka 028-3694, Japan; (K.E.); (Y.T.)
| | - Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (T.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Tsunekazu Oikawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan; (T.O.); (T.M.)
| | - Yoji Ishizu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Aichi 466-8550, Japan; (Y.I.); (M.I.)
| | - Shuhei Hige
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sapporo Kosei General Hospital, Sapporo 060-0033, Japan; (R.T.); (S.H.)
| | - Taro Takami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube 755-8505, Japan; (N.T.); (T.T.)
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8510, Japan; (A.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Yoshiyuki Ueno
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan; (K.O.); (Y.U.)
| | - Satoshi Mochida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama 350-0495, Japan; (Y.U.); (S.M.)
| | - Yasuhiro Takikawa
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Morioka 028-3694, Japan; (K.E.); (Y.T.)
| | - Takuji Torimura
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (T.K.); (T.T.)
| | - Tomokazu Matsuura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan; (T.O.); (T.M.)
| | - Masatoshi Ishigami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Aichi 466-8550, Japan; (Y.I.); (M.I.)
| | | | - Hitoshi Yoshiji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan;
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Hepatic Encephalopathy-Related Hospitalizations in Cirrhosis: Transition of Care and Closing the Revolving Door. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:1994-2004. [PMID: 34169435 PMCID: PMC9167177 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-07075-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Development of complications of cirrhosis, including hepatic encephalopathy (HE), portends poorer outcomes. HE is associated with hospital readmission, impaired patient and caregiver quality of life, risk of falls, and mortality. Guidelines recommend lactulose as first-line therapy for HE and rifaximin in combination with lactulose for reducing the risk of HE recurrence. Improving post-discharge outcomes, including readmissions, is an important aspect in the management of patients with HE. Approaches focused on improving management and prevention of HE, including properly titrating lactulose dosing, overcoming medication-related nonadherence, and incorporating rifaximin as therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence, as well as incorporating supportive care initiatives, may ease the transition from hospital to home. Strategies to decrease readmission rates include using hospital navigators, who can offer patient/caregiver education, post-discharge planning, and medication review; and involving pharmacists in post-discharge planning. Similarly, telemedicine offers providers the opportunity to monitor patients with HE remotely and improves outcomes. Providers offering transitional care management may be reimbursed when establishing contact with patients within 2 days post-discharge and conducting an outpatient visit within 7 days or 14 days. Several approaches have been shown to improve outcomes broadly in patients post-discharge and may also be effective for improving outcomes specifically in patients hospitalized with cirrhosis and HE, thus closing the revolving door on rehospitalizations in this population.
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29
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Sahney A, Wadhawan M. Encephalopathy in Cirrhosis: Prevention and Management. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:927-936. [PMID: 35677508 PMCID: PMC9168742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major neuropsychiatric complication of cirrhosis. The clinical manifestations of HE ranges from mild confusion, disorientation to altered behaviour and coma in advanced stages. HE is an important cause of recurrent admissions in liver cirrhosis patients. HE is the most common cause of altered mentation in a patient of liver cirrhosis. Lactulose and rifaximin are approved treatment options for the treatment of HE. In patients who have localised neurological signs or are not improving with lactulose and rifaximin should be investigated for other causes of altered sensorium.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manav Wadhawan
- Address for correspondence: Manav Wadhawan, Institute of Digestive & Liver Diseases, BLK Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi, India.
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30
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Quality of life as a therapeutic objective in the management of hepatic encephalopathy and the potential role of rifaximin-α. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 33:e1032-e1038. [PMID: 34402475 PMCID: PMC8734632 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Quality of life (QoL) is impaired in patients with hepatic encephalopathy and rifaximin-α can improve QoL within 6 months. This study assessed the importance of QoL as a therapeutic objective in hepatic encephalopathy management; whether QoL is routinely assessed in hepatic encephalopathy patients in clinical practice and the role of rifaximin-α in this context. METHODS A survey was conducted of healthcare professionals (HCPs) from Europe and Australia involved in hepatic encephalopathy management. HCPs rated the importance of a range of therapeutic objectives on a 1-7 Likert scale (1 = not at all important; 7 = extremely important). HCPs were also required to provide three patient record forms (PRFs) based on their last three hepatic encephalopathy patients. RESULTS There were 218 HCP respondents, who provided 654 PRFs (patients treated with rifaximin-α, n = 347; patients not treated with rifaximin-α, n = 307). The mean Likert score was highest for the therapeutic objective 'improving a patient's QoL' (6.4), which was rated significantly more highly than all other therapeutic objectives, including 'reducing the patient's likelihood of hospital readmission' (6.1; P < 0.001) and 'preventing death of the patient' (6.1; P < 0.001). Despite this, only 28.3% of PRFs documented specific QoL data assessment. Patients receiving rifaximin-α were treated later in their disease course than those not receiving rifaximin-α. CONCLUSIONS HCPs consider QoL improvement the main therapeutic objective in hepatic encephalopathy management, but most do not explicitly assess QoL. Earlier introduction of rifaximin-α may safeguard QoL improvement even when QoL monitoring is not possible.
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31
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Rahimi RS, Brown KA, Flamm SL, Brown RS. Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy: Current Pharmacologic Treatments and Improving Clinical Outcomes. Am J Med 2021; 134:1330-1338. [PMID: 34242619 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Overt hepatic encephalopathy is a generally reversible neurologic complication of cirrhosis. Overt hepatic encephalopathy has been associated with poor hospitalization- and mortality-related outcomes, which is important given increasing hepatic encephalopathy-related hospitalizations over time. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of hospital- and mortality-related outcomes in patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy and the pharmacologic therapies that may improve these outcomes. Guideline-recommended prophylaxis with lactulose (first-line therapy) or secondary prophylaxis with rifaximin plus lactulose decreases hospital admissions and mortality rates. Rifaximin or lactulose treatment was beneficial for reducing the hospitalization rate in patients with hepatic encephalopathy compared with no treatment. Further, retrospective studies have shown that rifaximin with or without lactulose was effective for decreasing the number of hepatic encephalopathy episodes, hepatic encephalopathy-related hospitalizations, and duration of hospitalization. Ornithine phenylacetate, an ammonia-reducing agent currently in development, is also being investigated in hospitalized patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Overall, data support that prophylaxis for the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy recurrence improves outcomes in patients with cirrhosis and a history of hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Rahimi
- Baylor Scott and White Hospital, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Tex.
| | - Kimberly A Brown
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Mich
| | - Steven L Flamm
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill
| | - Robert S Brown
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Center for Liver Disease, New York, NY
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32
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Abdel Moneim M, Abdelaziz DH, Ibrahim Nagy Y, Abdel Baki A, Attia AS, Sabry N. Rifaximin microbial resistance and its efficacy and safety as a secondary prophylaxis of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14807. [PMID: 34487412 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Rifaximin is an oral antibiotic with promising efficacy in the reduction of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) recurrence. Development of microbial resistance to rifaximin is not studied yet in HE. The study aim was to assess the microbial resistance, safety and efficacy of rifaximin as secondary prophylaxis of HE. METHOD In this open-label parallel, prospective interventional study, 100 patients were randomly allocated either to receive 400 mg rifaximin 3 times/d plus 30-45 mL lactulose 3 times/d (intervention group) or to receive the standard of care only which is lactulose alone (control group) for 6 months. The primary outcome of the study was the difference between minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of rifaximin among the two studied groups at the end of treatment. The secondary outcomes included the time to first episode of HE, time to first hospitalisation, and patient's survival. RESULTS The MIC did not differ significantly after treatment exposure compared with baseline either between groups or within the same group. The time to new episode of HE was 18.84 ± 6.49 weeks (mean ± SD) in the intervention group and was significantly longer (P = .002) than that in the control group 14 ± 7.52 weeks. Moreover, only 23 (46%) patients developed overt HE in the intervention group compared with 35 patients (70%) in the control group (P = .005). Also, there was an observed 32% reduction in the risk of hospitalisation in intervention group compared with control group. CONCLUSION Rifaximin succeeded to maintain remission from new episodes of HE in hepatitis C virus cirrhotic patients with limited potential for development of microbial resistance over the study period. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04736836.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Abdel Moneim
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, The National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa H Abdelaziz
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, The National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yosra Ibrahim Nagy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amin Abdel Baki
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases Department, The National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Attia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nirmeen Sabry
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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33
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Nathwani R, Mullish B, Kockerling D, Cole A, Selvapatt N, Dhar A. Review of Rifaximin: A Summary of the Current Evidence and Benefits Beyond Licensed Use. EUROPEAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.33590/emj/21-00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance in patients with cirrhosis continues to draw significant attention. With a propensity to frequent hospitalisations, patients with cirrhosis are subject to frequent antibiotic prescription. This increases their risk of developing resistance to one or more antimicrobial agents, making management of their condition particularly challenging. Despite advancements being made in the management of liver disease, mortality rates continue to rise: almost 5-fold in those <65 years of age while remaining the leading cause of death in those 35–49 years of age. Alternative therapeutic options to prevent disease progression and cirrhosis-associated complications are urgently required; rifaximin is one such example. The medication use in patients with cirrhosis demonstrates additional benefits beyond current licensed use in the UK, that being for the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy and traveller’s diarrhoea; rifaximin has especially been explored beyond current licensed use in the context of enteric-driven pathologies. Through the therapy’s key central action as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, rifaximin has the ability to modulate the gut–liver axis via removal of gut microbial products associated with the progression of cirrhosis and its sequalae.
The benefits of rifaximin use continues to gather momentum, given its non-absorbable nature and well-tolerated side-effect profile, and these require consideration. With broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, its use may assist in overcoming the conundrum posed of antibiotic resistance amongst patients with cirrhosis. This literature review discusses the chemical and antimicrobial properties of rifaximin, its licenced indication for use, and its reported benefits beyond this, as well as concerns regarding rifaximin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rooshi Nathwani
- Liver Unit/Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Benjamin Mullish
- Liver Unit/Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK
| | - David Kockerling
- Liver Unit/Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Alexander Cole
- Liver Unit/Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Nowlan Selvapatt
- Liver Unit/Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Ameet Dhar
- Liver Unit/Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK
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34
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Stamps BW, Kuroiwa J, Isidean SD, Schilling MA, Harro C, Talaat KR, Sack DA, Tribble DR, Maue AC, Rimmer JE, Laird RM, Porter CK, Goodson MS, Poly F. Exploring Changes in the Host Gut Microbiota During a Controlled Human Infection Model for Campylobacter jejuni. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:702047. [PMID: 34532299 PMCID: PMC8439579 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.702047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni infection is a leading cause of foodborne disease, common to children, adult travelers, and military populations in low- to middle-income countries. In the absence of a licensed vaccine, efforts to evaluate prophylactic agents are underway. The prophylactic efficacy of a twice-daily, 550 mg dose of the antibiotic rifaximin demonstrated no efficacy against campylobacteriosis in a controlled human infection model (CHIM); however, samples from the CHIM study were utilized to assess how the human gut microbiome responds to C. jejuni infection, and if a ‘protective’ microbiota exists in study participants not developing campylobacteriosis. Statistically significant, but minor, differences in study participant beta diversity were identified during the challenge period (p = 0.002, R2 = 0.042), but no significant differences were otherwise observed. Pre-challenge alpha diversity was elevated in study participants who did not develop campylobacteriosis compared to those who did (p < 0.001), but alpha diversity declined in all study participants from the pre-challenge period to post-discharge. Our work provides insight into gut microbiome shifts observed during a C. jejuni CHIM and following antibiotic treatment. This study utilized a high dose of 1.7 x 105 colony-forming units of C. jejuni; future work could include CHIM studies performed with inocula more closely mimicking natural exposure as well as field studies involving naturally-occurring enteric infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake W Stamps
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, United States.,Integrative Health and Performance Sciences Division, UES, Inc., Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Janelle Kuroiwa
- Enteric Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sandra D Isidean
- Enteric Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Megan A Schilling
- Enteric Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Clayton Harro
- Center for Immunization Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kawsar R Talaat
- Center for Immunization Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David A Sack
- Center for Immunization Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David R Tribble
- Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program, Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics Department, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Alexander C Maue
- Enteric Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Joanna E Rimmer
- Enteric Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Academic Department of Military Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Medical Directorate, Joint Medical Command, Information and Communications Technology Centre, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Renee M Laird
- Enteric Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Chad K Porter
- Enteric Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Michael S Goodson
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Frédéric Poly
- Enteric Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States
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New Therapies of Liver Diseases: Hepatic Encephalopathy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184050. [PMID: 34575157 PMCID: PMC8472037 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of advanced liver disease which has profound implications in terms of the patients’ ability to fulfil their family and social roles, to drive and to provide for themselves. Recurrent and persistent HE is still a serious management challenge, translating into a significant burden for patients and their families, health services and society at large. The past few years have been characterized by significantly more attention towards HE and its implications; its definition has been refined and a small number of new drugs/alternative management strategies have become available, while others are underway. In this narrative review we summarize them in a pragmatic and hopefully useful fashion.
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Caraceni P, Vargas V, Solà E, Alessandria C, de Wit K, Trebicka J, Angeli P, Mookerjee RP, Durand F, Pose E, Krag A, Bajaj JS, Beuers U, Ginès P, Napoleone L, Carol M, Avitabile E, Thu AM, Cervera M, Pérez M, Belén Rubio‐Garcia A, Ardiaca A, Vives A, Pich J, Fabrellas N, Zaccherini G, Chiappa MT, Jiménez C, Palacio E, Campion D, Lanzillotti T, Piano S, Nicolao G, Uschner F, Graf_Dirmeier S, Francoz C, Roux O, Esnault V, Helder J, Aban M, Kazankov K, Korenjak M, Kamath P, Abraldes JG, Watson H. The Use of Rifaximin in Patients With Cirrhosis. Hepatology 2021; 74:1660-1673. [PMID: 33421158 PMCID: PMC8518409 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rifaximin is an oral nonsystemic antibiotic with minimal gastrointestinal absorption and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity covering both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Rifaximin is currently used worldwide in patients with cirrhosis for preventing recurrent HE because its efficacy and safety have been proven by large randomized clinical trials. In the last decade, experimental and clinical evidence suggest that rifaximin could have other beneficial effects on the course of cirrhosis by modulating the gut microbiome and affecting the gut-liver axis, which in turn can interfere with major events of the pathophysiological cascade underlying decompensated cirrhosis, such as systemic inflammatory syndrome, portal hypertension, and bacterial infections. However, the use of rifaximin for prevention or treatment of other complications, including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis or other bacterial infections, is not accepted because evidence by clinical trials is still very weak. The present review deals in the first part with the potential impact of rifaximin on pathogenic mechanisms in liver diseases, whereas in the second part, its clinical effects are critically discussed. It clearly emerges that, because of its potential activity on multiple pathogenic events, the efficacy of rifaximin in the prevention or management of complications other than HE deserves to be investigated extensively. The results of double-blinded, adequately powered randomized clinical trials assessing the effect of rifaximin, alone or in combination with other drugs, on hard clinical endpoints, such as decompensation of cirrhosis, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and mortality, are therefore eagerly awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Caraceni
- University of BolognaUniversity Hospital S. Orsola‐Malpighi di BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Victor Vargas
- Hospital Vall d’HebronUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaCIEREHDBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
| | - Elsa Solà
- Hospital Clinic of BarcelonaUniversity of BarcelonaIDIBAPSCIBEReHDBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
| | - Carlo Alessandria
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyCittà della Salute e della Scienza HospitalUniversity of TorinoTurinItaly
| | - Koos de Wit
- Amsterdam University Medical CentersAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Goethe‐University ‐ Frankfurt am MainFrankfurt am MainGermany,EF‐CLIFBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
| | | | | | | | - Elisa Pose
- Hospital Clinic of BarcelonaUniversity of BarcelonaIDIBAPSCIBEReHDBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
| | - Aleksander Krag
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark,Institute of Clinical ResearchUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | | | - Ulrich Beuers
- Amsterdam University Medical CentersAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Pere Ginès
- Hospital Clinic of BarcelonaUniversity of BarcelonaIDIBAPSCIBEReHDBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
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Correa CBM, Kogawa AC, Chorilli M, Salgado HRN. Miniaturized Microbiological Method to Determine the Potency of Rifaximin in Tablets. J AOAC Int 2021; 104:1049-1054. [PMID: 33512492 DOI: 10.1093/jaoacint/qsab017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rifaximin, a semi-synthetic antimicrobial, does not present microbiological method described in official compendia, and there is a lack of literature on this topic. The quality control of antimicrobials is extremely important to evaluate the real potency of pharmaceutical products. OBJECTIVE A miniaturized turbidimetric method for determining the potency of rifaximin in tablets was developed and validated by turbidimetry, according to the international guidelines. METHOD Escherichia coli ATCC 10536 IAL 2393, brain heart infusion (BHI) broth, inoculum at 8%, rifaximin in purified water with 20% ethanol at 5, 10, and 20 μg/mL and 530 nm were used. RESULTS The method was considered selective for rifaximin, as the adjuvants did not show activity; linear with correlation coefficients 0.9998 for standard and 0.9999 for sample; accurate with 99.73% recovery; precise with RSD less than 3%; and robust in the face of small variations in (i) rifaximin volume, (ii) proportion of ethanol, (iii) inoculum volume. CONCLUSIONS The method is considered adequate and safe to evaluate the potency of rifaximin in tablets, contemplating speed, low cost, low waste generation, and ease of operation. HIGHLIGHTS This work usescurrent, sustainable, and green analytical chemistry and can be used in the routine analyses of rifaximin by laboratories and the pharmaceutical industry around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Bersi Motta Correa
- São Paulo State University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Drugs and Medicines, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Kogawa
- Universidade Federal de Goiás, Faculdade de Farmácia, Laboratório de Controle de Qualidade, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Marlus Chorilli
- São Paulo State University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Drugs and Medicines, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Hérida Regina Nunes Salgado
- São Paulo State University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Drugs and Medicines, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
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Kogawa AC, Mendonça JN, Lopes NP, Salgado HRN. Eco-Friendly Pharmaceutical Analysis of Rifaximin in Tablets by HPLC-MS and Microbiological Turbidimetry. J Chromatogr Sci 2021; 59:597-605. [PMID: 33942054 DOI: 10.1093/chromsci/bmab044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Rifaximin, an antimicrobial used for the treatment of various diseases, lacks analytical methods in official compendia for evaluation of the final product. This paper presents an eco-friendly protocol for rifaximin tablets by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The method was completely validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines and developed following the concept of Quality by Design. The separation was achieved using a C18 column, purified water +0.1% glacial acetic acid and ethyl alcohol, 52:48 (v/v), as mobile phase, 0.9 mL min-1 at 290 nm and ambient room temperature. Mass spectral analyses were performed using electrospray ionization (ESI) ion source and ion trap mass analyzer. The method was linear over the concentration range of 5-50 μg mL-1. The sample was subjected to acidic, basic, neutral, oxidative and photolytic degradation. Degradation products did not interfere in the quantification of the rifaximin, so the method can be considered indicative of stability. Degradation products were also evaluated individually by microbiological method using Escherichia coli. The validated method could be used promisingly as green analytical strategies for detection and quantification of rifaximin in tablets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Kogawa
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), CEP 14800-903 Campus Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Controle de Qualidade, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás - UFG, CEP 74605-170 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Nakau Mendonça
- Center for Research in Natural and Synthetic Products, Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão, Preto, Brazil
| | - Norberto Peporine Lopes
- Center for Research in Natural and Synthetic Products, Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 14040-903 Ribeirão, Preto, Brazil
| | - Hérida Regina Nunes Salgado
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), CEP 14800-903 Campus Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
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Stewart C, Jang T, Mo G, Mohamed N, Poplawska M, Egini O, Dutta D, Lim SH. Antibiotics to modify sickle cell disease vaso-occlusive crisis? Blood Rev 2021; 50:100867. [PMID: 34304939 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2021.100867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the availability of hydroxyurea, the clinical use of the medication among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) remains low in the United States. Given the high healthcare utilization cost, SCD requires new therapeutic approaches. Recent studies demonstrated bacterial overgrowth and dysbiosis-related intestinal pathophysiological changes in SCD. Intestinal microbes regulate neutrophil ageing. Aged and activated neutrophils contribute to the pathogenesis of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) in SCD. In this paper, we will review the pre-clinical and clinical data on how antibiotics might reduce the intestinal microbial density and influence the course of VOC. Based on these observations, we will discuss rationales for and potential challenges to antibiotic-based therapeutic approaches that may modify the clinical course of VOC in SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Stewart
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York 11203, United States of America
| | - Tim Jang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York 11203, United States of America
| | - George Mo
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York 11203, United States of America
| | - Nader Mohamed
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York 11203, United States of America
| | - Maria Poplawska
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York 11203, United States of America
| | - Ogechukwu Egini
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York 11203, United States of America
| | - Dibyendu Dutta
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York 11203, United States of America.
| | - Seah H Lim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York 11203, United States of America.
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Yoshiji H, Nagoshi S, Akahane T, Asaoka Y, Ueno Y, Ogawa K, Kawaguchi T, Kurosaki M, Sakaida I, Shimizu M, Taniai M, Terai S, Nishikawa H, Hiasa Y, Hidaka H, Miwa H, Chayama K, Enomoto N, Shimosegawa T, Takehara T, Koike K. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis 2020. J Gastroenterol 2021; 56:593-619. [PMID: 34231046 PMCID: PMC8280040 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-021-01788-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The first edition of the clinical practice guidelines for liver cirrhosis was published in 2010, and the second edition was published in 2015 by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology (JSGE). The revised third edition was recently published in 2020. This version has become a joint guideline by the JSGE and the Japan Society of Hepatology (JSH). In addition to the clinical questions (CQs), background questions (BQs) are new items for basic clinical knowledge, and future research questions (FRQs) are newly added clinically important items. Concerning the clinical treatment of liver cirrhosis, new findings have been reported over the past 5 years since the second edition. In this revision, we decided to match the international standards as much as possible by referring to the latest international guidelines. Newly developed agents for various complications have also made great progress. In comparison with the latest global guidelines, such as the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), we are introducing data based on the evidence for clinical practice in Japan. The flowchart for nutrition therapy was reviewed to be useful for daily medical care by referring to overseas guidelines. We also explain several clinically important items that have recently received focus and were not mentioned in the last editions. This digest version describes the issues related to the management of liver cirrhosis and several complications in clinical practice. The content begins with a diagnostic algorithm, the revised flowchart for nutritional therapy, and refracted ascites, which are of great importance to patients with cirrhosis. In addition to the updated antiviral therapy for hepatitis B and C liver cirrhosis, the latest treatments for non-viral cirrhosis, such as alcoholic steatohepatitis/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH/NASH) and autoimmune-related cirrhosis, are also described. It also covers the latest evidence regarding the diagnosis and treatment of liver cirrhosis complications, namely gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, hepatorenal syndrome and acute kidney injury, hepatic encephalopathy, portal thrombus, sarcopenia, muscle cramp, thrombocytopenia, pruritus, hepatopulmonary syndrome, portopulmonary hypertension, and vitamin D deficiency, including BQ, CQ and FRQ. Finally, this guideline covers prognosis prediction and liver transplantation, especially focusing on several new findings since the last version. Since this revision is a joint guideline by both societies, the same content is published simultaneously in the official English journal of JSGE and JSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Yoshiji
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Shijo-cho 840, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan.
| | - Sumiko Nagoshi
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Takemi Akahane
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Yoshinari Asaoka
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Ueno
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Koji Ogawa
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Takumi Kawaguchi
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kurosaki
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Isao Sakaida
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Makiko Taniai
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Shuji Terai
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Hiroki Nishikawa
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Yoichi Hiasa
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Hisashi Hidaka
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Hiroto Miwa
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- The Japan Society of Hepatology, Kashiwaya 2 Building 5F, 3-28-10 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Enomoto
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Tooru Shimosegawa
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Takehara
- The Japan Society of Hepatology, Kashiwaya 2 Building 5F, 3-28-10 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Guidelines Committee for Creating and Evaluating the "Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis", The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology / The Japan Society of Hepatology, 6F Shimbashi i-MARK Building, 2-6-2 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
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Kogawa AC, Peltonen L, Salgado HRN, Chorilli M. Short-Stability Study of Rifaximin-Based Samples. J AOAC Int 2021; 103:743-746. [PMID: 33241364 DOI: 10.1093/jaocint/qsz010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rifaximin is an oral antimicrobial with a daily dose ranging from 600 to 800 mg. It is classified as Class IV in the Biopharmaceutic Classification System. Thus, rifaximin-based samples were developed by complexation to β-cyclodextrin using a phase solubility diagram, and malaxation and decreasing particle size using wet milling. OBJECTIVE Concomitant to the pharmaceutical technology, a stability studywas undertaken with the objective of verifying the integrity of the drug. METHODS The stability of the new samples were studied for 6 months, without interruption, under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity in a climatic chamber. They were analyzed simultaneously by HPLC and microbiological turbidimetry at zero, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS Two of the samples follow second reaction order and one follows zero reaction order. Microbiological analysis proved to be important in assessing the potency of rifaximin in one of the samples, and its results were more consistent than the results by HPLC. CONCLUSIONS The rifaximin-based samples were stable under controlled temperature and humidity conditions and the physical-chemical and microbiological methods were able to evaluate their behavior during the 6-month study. HIGHLIGHTS It is worth considering the development of these products, since the design process of formulation and pharmaceutical technology is financially more attractive than the development of new drugs that require high levels of investment in research and development, innovation of public policies, and regulatory actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Kogawa
- Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Araraquara, Department of Pharmaceutics, Rodovia Araraquara-Jaú km 1, Araraquara, São Paulo, 14800-903, Brazil.,University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Viikinkaari 5 E, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Leena Peltonen
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Viikinkaari 5 E, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Hérida Regina Nunes Salgado
- Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Araraquara, Department of Pharmaceutics, Rodovia Araraquara-Jaú km 1, Araraquara, São Paulo, 14800-903, Brazil
| | - Marlus Chorilli
- Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Araraquara, Department of Pharmaceutics, Rodovia Araraquara-Jaú km 1, Araraquara, São Paulo, 14800-903, Brazil
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Chang C, Huang CH, Tseng HJ, Yang FC, Chien RN. Real-World Experience of the One-Year Efficacy of Rifaximin Add-On to Lactulose Is Superior to Lactulose Alone in Patients with Cirrhosis Complicated with Recurrent Hepatic Encephalopathy in Taiwan. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11060478. [PMID: 34071787 PMCID: PMC8226737 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11060478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a neuropsychiatric complication of decompensated cirrhosis, is associated with high mortality and high risk of recurrence. Rifaximin add-on to lactulose for 3 to 6 months is recommended for the prevention of recurrent episodes of HE after the second episode. However, whether the combination for more than 6 months is superior to lactulose alone in the maintenance of HE remission is less evident. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the one-year efficacy of rifaximin add-on to lactulose for the maintenance of HE remission in Taiwan. Methods: We conducted a real-world single-center retrospective cohort study to compare the long-term efficacy of rifaximin add-on to lactulose (group R + L) versus lactulose alone (group L, control group). Furthermore, the treatment efficacy before and after rifaximin add-on to lactulose was also analyzed. The primary endpoint of our study was time to first HE recurrence (Conn score ≥ 2). All patients were followed up every three months until death, and censored at one year if still alive. Results and Conclusions: 12 patients were enrolled in group R + L. Another 31 patients were stratified into group L. Sex, comorbidity, ammonia level, and ascites grade were matched while age, HE grade, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score were adjusted in the multivariable logistic regression model. Compared with group L, significant improvement in the maintenance of HE remission and decreased episodes and days of HE-related hospitalizations were demonstrated in group R + L. The serum ammonia levels were significantly lower at the 3rd and 6th month in group 1. Concerning changes before and after rifaximin add-on in group R + L, mini-mental status examination (MMSE), episodes of hospitalization, and variceal bleeding also improved at 6 and 12 months. Days of hospitalization, serum ammonia levels also improved at 6th month. Except for concern over price, no patients discontinued rifaximin due to adverse events or complications. The above results provide evidence for the one-year use of rifaximin add-on to lactulose in reducing HE recurrence and HE-related hospitalization for patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching Chang
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (C.C.); (C.-H.H.); (F.-C.Y.)
| | - Chien-Hao Huang
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (C.C.); (C.-H.H.); (F.-C.Y.)
- College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Jung Tseng
- Biostatistics Unit, Clinical Trial Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
| | - Fang-Chen Yang
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (C.C.); (C.-H.H.); (F.-C.Y.)
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; (C.C.); (C.-H.H.); (F.-C.Y.)
- College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-3281200 (ext. 8107); Fax: +886-3-3272236
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Bureau C, Thabut D, Jezequel C, Archambeaud I, D'Alteroche L, Dharancy S, Borentain P, Oberti F, Plessier A, De Ledinghen V, Ganne-Carrié N, Carbonell N, Rousseau V, Sommet A, Péron JM, Vinel JP. The Use of Rifaximin in the Prevention of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt : A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ann Intern Med 2021; 174:633-640. [PMID: 33524293 DOI: 10.7326/m20-0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of rifaximin in the secondary prevention of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is well documented, but its effectiveness in preventing a first episode in patients after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has not been established. OBJECTIVE To determine whether rifaximin prevents overt HE after TIPS compared with placebo. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02016196). PARTICIPANTS 197 patients with cirrhosis undergoing TIPS for intractable ascites or prevention of variceal rebleeding. INTERVENTION Patients were randomly assigned to receive rifaximin (600 mg twice daily) or placebo, beginning 14 days before TIPS and continuing for 168 days after the procedure. MEASUREMENTS The primary efficacy end point was incidence of overt HE within 168 days after the TIPS procedure. RESULTS An episode of overt HE occurred in 34% (95% CI, 25% to 44%) of patients in the rifaximin group (n = 93) and 53% (CI, 43% to 63%) in the placebo group (n = 93) during the postprocedure period (odds ratio, 0.48 [CI, 0.27 to 0.87]). Neither the incidence of adverse events nor transplant-free survival was significantly different between the 2 groups. LIMITATIONS The study's conclusion applies mainly to patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, who made up the study population. The potential benefit of rifaximin 6 months after TIPS and beyond remains to be investigated. CONCLUSION In patients with cirrhosis treated with TIPS, rifaximin was well tolerated and reduced the risk for overt HE. Rifaximin should therefore be considered for prophylaxis of post-TIPS HE. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE French Public Health Ministry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Bureau
- University Hospital of Toulouse and Toulouse III Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France (C.B., J.M.P., J.P.V.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Frédéric Oberti
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France (F.O.)
| | | | | | - Nathalie Ganne-Carrié
- Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, Bondy, and Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité et INSERM UMR 1162, Paris, France (N.G.)
| | | | | | - Agnès Sommet
- Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France (V.R., A.S.)
| | - Jean Marie Péron
- University Hospital of Toulouse and Toulouse III Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France (C.B., J.M.P., J.P.V.)
| | - Jean Pierre Vinel
- University Hospital of Toulouse and Toulouse III Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France (C.B., J.M.P., J.P.V.)
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Hiramine Y, Uto H, Mawatari S, Kanmura S, Imamura Y, Hiwaki T, Saishoji A, Kakihara A, Maenohara S, Tokushige K, Ido A. Efficacy of rifaximin, a poorly absorbed rifamycin antimicrobial agent, for hepatic encephalopathy in Japanese patients. Hepatol Res 2021; 51:445-460. [PMID: 33533150 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIM Rifaximin is recommended as treatment for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) that targets intestinal bacterial flora. Although combined use with synthetic disaccharides is the standard of care worldwide, the therapeutic effects of rifaximin for overt encephalopathy (OHE) in Japanese patients have not been examined sufficiently. We examined the therapeutic effects of rifaximin for OHE in Japanese patients. METHODS A total of 76 patients who developed OHE of West Haven grade II or higher at least once within the 12 months before starting rifaximin were included. Blood ammonia levels and the incidence of OHE during the 12 months before and after starting rifaximin therapy were compared in a before-and-after study. Rifaximin efficacy and predictors of efficacy were also examined. RESULTS Post-treatment blood ammonia levels were significantly lower than pretreatment levels. The mean annual number of OHE incidents and intravenous branched-chain amino acid preparations used per patient were significantly lower after starting rifaximin therapy (2.51 vs. 0.76 times/year, p < 0.001; and 71.9 vs. 20.7 preparations/year, p = 0.003, respectively). The cumulative incidence of hospitalizations associated with HE significantly decreased after rifaximin therapy (hazard ratio 0.187; p < 0.001). The efficacy rate, defined as the proportion of patients without OHE during the administration of rifaximin for 1 year after starting rifaximin therapy, was 65.8%. Serum albumin ≥2.7 g/dl was an independent predictor of efficacy. CONCLUSION Rifaximin was associated with decreased blood ammonia levels, lower incidence of OHE, and fewer hospitalizations in Japanese patients with HE. In addition, serum albumin level was an important predictor on efficacy of rifaximin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunari Hiramine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kagoshima Kouseiren Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Uto
- Center for Digestive and Liver Diseases, Miyazaki Medical Center Hospital, Miyazaki, Japan.,Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Seiichi Mawatari
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Shuji Kanmura
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yasushi Imamura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kagoshima Kouseiren Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Takuya Hiwaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kagoshima Kouseiren Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Akiko Saishoji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kagoshima Kouseiren Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan.,Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Atsuko Kakihara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kagoshima Kouseiren Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan.,Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Shigeho Maenohara
- Department of Surgery, Kagoshima Kouseiren Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Koichi Tokushige
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kagoshima Kouseiren Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Akio Ido
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
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45
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Manganese dioxide (MnO2)/Fullerene-C60-Modified Electrodes for the Voltammetric Determination of Rifaximin. JOURNAL OF ANALYSIS AND TESTING 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s41664-020-00151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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46
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Ferrer M, Aguilera M, Martinez V. Effects of Rifaximin on Luminal and Wall-Adhered Gut Commensal Microbiota in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E500. [PMID: 33419066 PMCID: PMC7825446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rifaximin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that ameliorates symptomatology in inflammatory/functional gastrointestinal disorders. We assessed changes in gut commensal microbiota (GCM) and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) associated to rifaximin treatment in mice. Adult C57BL/6NCrl mice were treated (7/14 days) with rifaximin (50/150 mg/mouse/day, PO). Luminal and wall-adhered ceco-colonic GCM were characterized by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and microbial profiles determined by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP). Colonic expression of TLR2/3/4/5/7 and immune-related markers was assessed (RT-qPCR). Regardless the period of treatment or the dose, rifaximin did not alter total bacterial counts or bacterial biodiversity. Only a modest increase in Bacteroides spp. (150 mg/1-week treatment) was detected. In control conditions, only Clostridium spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. were found attached to the colonic epithelium. Rifaximin showed a tendency to favour their adherence after a 1-week, but not 2-week, treatment period. Minor up-regulation in TLRs expression was observed. Only the 50 mg dose for 1-week led to a significant increase (by 3-fold) in TLR-4 expression. No changes in the expression of immune-related markers were observed. Rifaximin, although its antibacterial properties, induces minor changes in luminal and wall-adhered GCM in healthy mice. Moreover, no modulation of TLRs or local immune systems was observed. These findings, in normal conditions, do not rule out a modulatory role of rifaximin in inflammatory and or dysbiotic states of the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ferrer
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.); (M.A.)
- Neuroscience Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Aguilera
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.); (M.A.)
- Neuroscience Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Martinez
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.); (M.A.)
- Neuroscience Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédicaen Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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de Jong LA, van Schoonhoven AV, Hofstra HS, Postma MJ, van Hoek B. Budget impact of optimizing rifaximin-α use for the prevention of recurrent hepatic encephalopathy in The Netherlands. J Med Econ 2021; 24:1149-1163. [PMID: 34629016 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2021.1983291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Rifaximin-α as an adjunct to lactulose is reimbursed in the Netherlands for prevention of the third and subsequent episodes of overt Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) in cirrhotic patients. However, use of rifaximin-α remains limited. This study evaluates the clinical and economic impact of treating all patients eligible under Dutch reimbursement conditions with rifaximin-α as an adjunct to lactulose for the prevention of overt HE in the Netherlands from a hospital and healthcare payer's perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS A budget impact analysis was performed following national and international guidelines. Resource use was based on Dutch real-world data. HE-related cost inputs were based on the declaration codes, Dutch cost manual, and actual drug list prices. Several sensitivity and scenario analyses were conducted to assess model robustness. RESULTS Treating eligible HE patients with rifaximin-α in addition to lactulose saves €4,487 and costs €249 per patient over a 5-year period compared with lactulose monotherapy from hospital and healthcare payer's perspectives, respectively. In the Netherlands, an estimated 38% of the 2,567 eligible patients are currently being treated with rifaximin-α. Optimizing rifaximin-α use by treating all eligible patients with the rifaximin-α + lactulose could save more than 3,000 hospital admissions, almost 15,000 hospital bed days, and 300 deaths over a 5-year period. Despite increased drug costs, treatment is estimated to result in potential cost savings over a 5-year period of 7.2 million euros from a Dutch hospital perspective. The budget impact is 397,770 euros from a healthcare payer's perspective. CONCLUSIONS Next to a clinical perspective, also from an economic perspective, wider prescription of rifaximin-α adhering to guidelines could be beneficial to reduce costs from a hospital perspective. From a healthcare payer's perspective, costs increase with addition of rifaximin-α due to relative better survival causing relatively higher drug and liver transplantation-related costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Aniek de Jong
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Asc Academics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Victor van Schoonhoven
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Asc Academics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maarten Jacobus Postma
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Asc Academics, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Economics, Econometrics and Finance, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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48
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Qi X, Yang M, Stenberg J, Dey R, Fogwe L, Alam MS, Kimchi ET, Staveley-O'Carroll KF, Li G. Gut microbiota mediated molecular events and therapy in liver diseases. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:7603-7618. [PMID: 33505139 PMCID: PMC7789060 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i48.7603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota is a community of microorganisms that reside in the gastrointestinal tract. An increasing number of studies has demonstrated that the gut-liver axis plays a critical role in liver homeostasis. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota can cause liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease. Preclinical and clinical investigations have substantiated that the metabolites and other molecules derived from gut microbiota and diet interaction function as mediators to cause liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and final cancer. This effect has been demonstrated to be associated with dysregulation of intrahepatic immunity and liver metabolism. Targeting these findings have led to the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Here, we review the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying gut microbiota-mediated impact on liver disease. We also summarize the advancement of gut microbiota-based therapeutic strategies in the control of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Qi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
- VA Hospital, Harry S Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, United States
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
- VA Hospital, Harry S Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, United States
| | - Joseph Stenberg
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
| | - Rahul Dey
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
| | - Leslie Fogwe
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
| | | | - Eric T Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
- VA Hospital, Harry S Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, United States
| | - Kevin F Staveley-O'Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
- VA Hospital, Harry S Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, United States
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
- VA Hospital, Harry S Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, United States
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, United States
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Rose CF, Amodio P, Bajaj JS, Dhiman RK, Montagnese S, Taylor-Robinson SD, Vilstrup H, Jalan R. Hepatic encephalopathy: Novel insights into classification, pathophysiology and therapy. J Hepatol 2020; 73:1526-1547. [PMID: 33097308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent and serious complication of both chronic liver disease and acute liver failure. HE manifests as a wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities, from subclinical changes (mild cognitive impairment) to marked disorientation, confusion and coma. The clinical and economic burden of HE is considerable, and it contributes greatly to impaired quality of life, morbidity and mortality. This review will critically discuss the latest classification of HE, as well as the pathogenesis and pathophysiological pathways underlying the neurological decline in patients with end-stage liver disease. In addition, management strategies, diagnostic approaches, currently available therapeutic options and novel treatment strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Rose
- Hepato-Neuro Laboratory, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Piero Amodio
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Radha Krishan Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Simon D Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom; European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Barcelona, Spain.
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50
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Uchida Y, Tsuji S, Uemura H, Kouyama JI, Naiki K, Sugawara K, Nakao M, Inao M, Nakayama N, Imai Y, Tomiya T, Mochida S. Furosemide as a factor to deteriorate therapeutic efficacy of rifaximin in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Hepatol Res 2020; 50:1264-1274. [PMID: 32833292 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM To optimize the therapeutic strategy for cirrhotic patients manifesting hepatic encephalopathy, factors affecting the outcome of patients receiving rifaximin were evaluated. METHODS The subjects were 95 patients receiving rifaximin. Serum ammonia levels were measured serially during rifaximin treatment. Factors associated with long-term outcomes and cumulative survival rates were evaluated. RESULTS Serum ammonia levels were decreased at 4 weeks after rifaximin treatment compared to the levels at baseline even in patients receiving rifaximin as an add-on therapy with lactitol hydrate (P < 0.001) and reduction values were negatively correlated with the maximal diameter of portosystemic shunts (r = -0.275, P = 0.009). Overt encephalopathy occurred in 37 patients (38.9%) during rifaximin treatment, and the hazard function analysis identified 90 days as a high-risk term for developing the first-time overt encephalopathy. Thus, the long-term outcome was judged as favorable in 77 patients (81.1%) in whom overt encephalopathy was absent for at least 90 days during rifaximin initiation. A multivariate analysis revealed that furosemide, especially at daily doses of ≥20 mg both at baseline and during rifaximin treatment, was a significant factor associated with unfavorable outcome (P = 0.009 and P = 0.022, respectively) as well as occurrence and recurrence of overt encephalopathy (P = 0.012). Moreover, furosemide treatment significantly deteriorated the cumulative survival rate of patients receiving rifaximin (P = 0.026). CONCLUSION Furosemide contributed to the deteriorated outcome of patients receiving rifaximin. Consequently, rifaximin should be given before increasing the furosemide dose, and the furosemide dose should not be increased during rifaximin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihito Uchida
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shohei Tsuji
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hayato Uemura
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Kouyama
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kayoko Naiki
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kayoko Sugawara
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mie Inao
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Nakayama
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yukinori Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Tomiya
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Mochida
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
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