Rifaximin and Propranolol Combination Therapy Versus Propranolol Monotherapy in Cirrhotic Patients

Summary

To reduce portal pressure, the only recommended medication is nonselective beta blocker(NSBB). However, NSBB has some limitation to apply clinically because of poor response rate and compliance. Recent literature has supported the role of bacterial translocation as a mediator of splanchnic vasodilatation and portal hypertension. This stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of the vasodilator NO resulting in a more pronounced deterioration of the baseline hyperdynamic circulatory state. Selective gut decontamination with Rifaximin can induce inhibition of bacterial translocation and associated worsening of portal hypertension. The investigators hypothesized that Rifaximin plus NSBB could result in decrease of portal pressure in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices.

Timeline

Start

2013-07

Primary completion

2017-02

Completion

2017-06

Publications

• Background Rasaratnam B, Kaye D, Jennings G, Dudley F, Chin-Dusting J. The effect of selective intestinal decontamination on the hyperdynamic circulatory state in cirrhosis. A randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2003 Aug 5;139(3):186-93. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-139-3-200308050-00008.
• Background Vlachogiannakos J, Saveriadis AS, Viazis N, Theodoropoulos I, Foudoulis K, Manolakopoulos S, Raptis S, Karamanolis DG. Intestinal decontamination improves liver haemodynamics in patients with alcohol-related decompensated cirrhosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2009 May 1;29(9):992-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2009.03958.x. Epub 2009 Feb 7.
• Background Gonzalez A, Augustin S, Perez M, Dot J, Saperas E, Tomasello A, Segarra A, Armengol JR, Malagelada JR, Esteban R, Guardia J, Genesca J. Hemodynamic response-guided therapy for prevention of variceal rebleeding: an uncontrolled pilot study. Hepatology. 2006 Oct;44(4):806-12. doi: 10.1002/hep.21343.
• Background Ripoll C, Banares R, Rincon D, Catalina MV, Lo Iacono O, Salcedo M, Clemente G, Nunez O, Matilla A, Molinero LM. Influence of hepatic venous pressure gradient on the prediction of survival of patients with cirrhosis in the MELD Era. Hepatology. 2005 Oct;42(4):793-801. doi: 10.1002/hep.20871.
• Background Kumar M, Kumar A, Hissar S, Jain P, Rastogi A, Kumar D, Sakhuja P, Sarin SK. Hepatic venous pressure gradient as a predictor of fibrosis in chronic liver disease because of hepatitis B virus. Liver Int. 2008 May;28(5):690-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2008.01711.x.

Drugs

Indications