Clinical study of probiotics combined with lactulose for minimal hepatic encephalopathy treatment : European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology

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Original Articles: Hepatology

Clinical study of probiotics combined with lactulose for minimal hepatic encephalopathy treatment

Shi, Junfen; Li, Fang

Author Information
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 35(7):p 777-781, July 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000002567

Abstract

Objective 

This study aimed to investigate the clinical effect of probiotics combined with lactulose for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) treatment.

Methods 

A total of 88 patients with MHE were randomly divided into the control (n = 44) and combined groups (n = 44). The control group was treated with lactulose, while the combined group was treated with probiotics and lactulose. Serum ammonia, liver function [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)], intestinal mucosal barrier markers [fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)] and number connection test A (NCT-A) and digit symbol test (DST) scores were tested and compared between the two groups.

Results 

The post-treatment in the control and combined groups shows decreased serum ammonia levels, ALT and AST levels, FABP2 and AGEs levels and NCT-A score and increased DST score compared with pre-treatment, with a significant difference (P < 0.05). Post-treatment, the serum ammonia level, ALT and AST levels, FABP2 and AGEs levels, NCT-A score decreased and DST score increased in the combined group compared with the control group, with a significant difference (P < 0.05).

Conclusion 

Probiotics can promote lactulose in MHE treatment.

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