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Current and emerging strategies for treating hepatic encephalopathy
Keith J Foster1, Sonia Lin, Charles J Turck
1Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pharmacy, UMass Memorial Medical Center, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America
|August 10, 2010
Summary
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a liver condition affecting brain function. Treatments include lactulose, antibiotics like rifaximin, and other supportive therapies for symptom management.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complex neuropsychiatric complication of liver dysfunction.
- Symptoms range from subtle cognitive changes to coma, impacting consciousness, intellect, and neuromuscular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current pharmacologic treatments for hepatic encephalopathy.
- To outline the range of therapeutic options available for managing HE symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and emerging pharmacologic agents for HE treatment.
- Categorization of therapies including nonabsorbable disaccharides, antibiotics, and other potential agents.
Main Results:
- Nonabsorbable disaccharides (lactulose, lactitol) and antibiotics (neomycin, paromycin, metronidazole, rifaximin) are primary treatments.
- Emerging therapies such as probiotics, acarbose, L-carnitine, and flumazenil show potential benefits.
Conclusions:
- A variety of pharmacologic interventions exist for managing hepatic encephalopathy.
- Treatment strategies should be tailored to individual patient needs and disease severity.
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