Rifaximin Predicts the Complications of Decompensated Cirrhosis

Summary

Cirrhotic patients are predisposed to intestinal dysmotility, bacterial overgrowth, and increased intestinal permeability all leading to an increase in bacterial translocation and increased endotoxemia. Rifaximin is an antibiotic that is virtually non-absorbed after oral administration and exhibits broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against both aerobic and anaerobic gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms within the gastrointestinal tract. It has been suggested that oral prophylactic antibiotics or bowel decontamination might improve long-term outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to explore the suitable dose of rifaximin to alleviate endotoxemia and prevent the complications of advanced cirrhosis.

Timeline

Start

2013-10

Primary completion

2014-06

Completion

2014-12

Publications

• Background Mullen KD, Sanyal AJ, Bass NM, Poordad FF, Sheikh MY, Frederick RT, Bortey E, Forbes WP. Rifaximin is safe and well tolerated for long-term maintenance of remission from overt hepatic encephalopathy. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014 Aug;12(8):1390-7.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2013.12.021. Epub 2013 Dec 21.
• Background Xu D, Gao J, Gillilland M 3rd, Wu X, Song I, Kao JY, Owyang C. Rifaximin alters intestinal bacteria and prevents stress-induced gut inflammation and visceral hyperalgesia in rats. Gastroenterology. 2014 Feb;146(2):484-96.e4. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.10.026. Epub 2013 Oct 22.
• Background Lutz P, Parcina M, Bekeredjian-Ding I, Hoerauf A, Strassburg CP, Spengler U. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis by Pasteurella multocida under treatment with rifaximin. Infection. 2014 Feb;42(1):175-7. doi: 10.1007/s15010-013-0449-4. Epub 2013 Mar 25.

Drugs

Indications