Rifaximin Treatment in Hepatic Encephalopathy

In this placebo-controlled, randomized trial of patients with a history of recurrent hepatic encephalopathy resulting from chronic liver disease, rifaximin (at a dose of 550 mg twice daily) prevented episodes of hepatic encephalopathy and hospitalizations involving hepatic encephalopathy. In patients with a history of recurrent hepatic encephalopathy resulting from chronic liver disease, rifaximin prevented episodes of hepatic encephalopathy and hospitalizations involving hepatic encephalopathy. Approximately 5.5 million persons in the United States have hepatic cirrhosis, a major cause of complications and death. 1 – 3 Hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of hepatic cirrhosis, imposes a formidable burden on patients, their families, and the health care system. 1 , 4 Overt episodes of hepatic encephalopathy are debilitating, can occur without warning, render the patient incapable of self-care, and frequently result in hospitalization. 1 , 4 In 2003, more than 40,000 patients were hospitalized with hepatic encephalopathy, a number that increased to over 50,000 in 2004. 4 Although the occurrence of episodes of hepatic encephalopathy appears to be unrelated to the cause of cirrhosis, . . .