Rifaximin treatment in hepatic encephalopathy.

摘要: To the Editor: Bass et al. (March 25 issue)1 conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing 6-month rifaximin therapy with placebo in patients chronic liver disease who were remission from recurrent hepatic encephalopathy. They found that not only maintained more effectively than but also significantly reduced risk of hospitalization for Nevertheless, several issues deserve discussion. First, since infection or gastrointestinal bleeding is known to precipitate an episode encephalopathy,2 authors should provide data on frequency breakthrough episodes without precipitating factors reduce confounding effects. Second, cirrhosis usually have complications associated infections caused by enteric bacteria. Because antimicrobial effect against bacteria, received this drug appeared fewer bacteremia, sepsis, bacterial peritonitis did those receiving (3 140 group vs. 8 159 group). However, whether recurrence spontaneous could be prevented prophylactic use deserves further investigation.3 Chia-Chi Wang, M.D.