A Study of Controlled Lactulose Withdrawal

Summary

After resolution of the initial episode of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), lactulose is routinely continued indefinitely as maintenance therapy. Although widely used for this indication, lactulose has never been shown in randomized, controlled trials to be effective for preventing exacerbations of HE. Indeed, lactulose was found to be ineffective at preventing HE when administered prophylactically to patients undergoing portosystemic shunt insertion. While some patients may be lactulose dependent following an initial episode of HE, it is likely that most could have their lactulose discontinued with no adverse consequences. This goal is worth pursuing because lactulose is not innocuous. It has an unpleasant taste, and it routinely produces gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, gas and diarrhea. In high doses it can cause incontinence, dehydration and electrolyte derangements. Patients universally dislike taking lactulose and often are noncompliant with treatment. A recent trial showed that patients on lactulose had a substantial risk of hospital admissions due to lactulose-related complications and treatment non-compliance.

Timeline

Start

2008-09

Primary completion

2009-05

Completion

2012-05

Publications

• Results Bajaj JS, Gillevet PM, Patel NR, Ahluwalia V, Ridlon JM, Kettenmann B, Schubert CM, Sikaroodi M, Heuman DM, Crossey MM, Bell DE, Hylemon PB, Fatouros PP, Taylor-Robinson SD. A longitudinal systems biology analysis of lactulose withdrawal in hepatic encephalopathy. Metab Brain Dis. 2012 Jun;27(2):205-15. doi: 10.1007/s11011-012-9303-0. Epub 2012 Apr 12.
• Results Bajaj JS, Ridlon JM, Hylemon PB, Thacker LR, Heuman DM, Smith S, Sikaroodi M, Gillevet PM. Linkage of gut microbiome with cognition in hepatic encephalopathy. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2012 Jan 1;302(1):G168-75. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.00190.2011. Epub 2011 Sep 22.

Drugs

Indications