In a study (JAMA Intern Med. Published online September 22, 2014. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.4746) with 50 participants, PEG was more effective than standard therapy of lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy. PEG vs Lactulose (HELP study) Abstract.
Here’s an excerpt:
Design, Setting, and Participants The HELP (Hepatic Encephalopathy: Lactulose vs Polyethylene Glycol 3350-Electrolyte Solution) study is a randomized clinical trial in an academic tertiary hospital of 50 patients with cirrhosis (of 186 screened) admitted for HE.
Interventions Participants were block randomized to receive treatment with PEG, 4-L dose (n = 25), or standard-of-care lactulose (n = 25) during hospitalization…
Results Thirteen of 25 patients in the standard therapy arm (52%) had an improvement of 1 or more in HESA score, thus meeting the primary outcome measure, compared with 21 of 23 evaluated patients receiving PEG (91%) (P < .01)… The median time for HE resolution was 2 days for standard therapy and 1 day for PEG (P = .01). Adverse events were uncommon, and none was definitely study related.
Conclusions and Relevance PEG led to more rapid HE resolution than standard therapy, suggesting that PEG may be superior to standard lactulose therapy in patients with cirrhosis hospitalized for acute HE.
Related blog posts:
- Probiotics for Hepatic Encephalopathy | gutsandgrowth
- Hepatology Update (Part 2) -Summer 2014 | gutsandgrowth
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