Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy

PHILADELPHIA — Rifaximin monotherapy reduced episode recurrence and “may confer” a survival benefit compared with lactulose monotherapy among patients with cirrhosis and a history of overt hepatic encephalopathy, according to a presenter.

Axcella announced initiating patient screening for the EMMPOWER phase 2 clinical trials of AXA1665 for reduction in risk for recurrent overt hepatic encephalopathy, according to a press release.

Bedside measures including activity, quality of life and physical function accurately predicted the risk for overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis, according to results published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

A novel drug comprising eight different amino acids showed efficacy in improvement of neurocognitive function, metabolism and other positive outcomes in patients with mild and moderate hepatic insufficiency, according to a press release issued by the manufacturer, Axcella.