Real world study finds significant reductions in the number and length of hospitalisations for hepatic encephalopathy

Norgine has highlighted results of a real world study showing significant reductions in the number and length of hospitalisations when Xifaxan (rifaximin-a) is added to lactulose, the SOC treatment for patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Adding rifaximin-a to standard treatment was proven to significantly reduce episodes of hepatic encephalopathy in liver disease patients and keep patients out of hospital for longer, compared to lactulose alone. When comparing the first 6 months after rifaximin-a initiation to the prior 6 months, HE-related hospital admissions reduced (0.86 to 0.41 admissions/patient), as well as the mean length of stay (8.85 to 3.79 bed days/admission). Non-serious adverse events were recorded in 2.4% of patients. The findings, borne out in real world evidence, come from a study presented at the International Liver Congress.

Comment: Severe HE has been estimated to affect 40% of people with cirrhosis and symptoms include disorientation, confusion, inappropriate behaviour and personality change. Hepatic encephalopathy results from a damaged liver that is not able to detoxify the blood as efficiently as usual. Toxins build up in the bloodstream and eventually in the brain, which leads to neurological disorders.