New Study Shows Rifaximin Significantly Reduced the Number and Length of Hospitalisations in Patients With Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) Awaiting Liver Transplatation - Seite 2

The study evaluated for two years 101 patients who had at least two episodes of overt HE whilst they were waiting for a liver transplant. The use of lactulose, which is the standard of care treatment (SOC) for patients with overt HE, was not significantly different between the rifaximin-treated and the naïve group.^[1] 

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Notes to Editors:

About the study

The study examined the outcomes of patients listed for liver transplantation with a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) on rifaximin compared to those naïve to the drug. Real world data from patient records of those listed for liver transplantation over a 2-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if they had at least two episodes of overt HE resulting in hospitalisation or were encephalopathic at the time of assessment. Of the 622 patients listed for transplantation, 101 were listed with HE. 66 patients were treated with rifaximin and 35 were naïve at listing. The use of concurrent lactulose was not significantly different between groups. Median MELD score was similar [15 (14-16) rifaximin-treated and 16 (14-18) rifaximin-naive]. Patients on the waiting list treated with rifaximin had reduced all-cause hospital admissions, episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and variceal bleeding. Mean length of stay was 9 (95%CI 6-12) in the rifaximin-treated group versus 14 days (95%CI 7-21) in the rifaximin-naïve group. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that rifaximin was independently associated with an increase in average days to readmission (adjusted effect estimate 71, 95% CI 3-140 days) and reduced likelihood of requirement for prioritisation on the waiting list (odds ratio 0.29; 95% CI 0.89-0.93). The study concluded that rifaximin prescribed for HE in patients listed for liver transplantation improved outcomes on the waiting list with a significant reduction in admissions related to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, ascites and variceal bleeding.^[1] 

About Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE)

HE is a serious, potentially life-threatening chronic condition associated with liver cirrhosis.^[2] HE is a significant complication of advanced chronic liver disease and occurs in up to 40% of patients and often remains under-diagnosed and under-treated.^[3],[4] HE is debilitating and can significantly impact the life of patients and their carers. People with liver disease who develop HE are approximately twice as likely to die, when compared with liver disease patients without the condition over the same time period.^[5]