Status:

COMPLETED

A Study of Controlled Lactulose Withdrawal

Lead Sponsor:

Hunter Holmes Mcguire Veteran Affairs Medical Center

Conditions:

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Eligibility:

All Genders

18-75 years

Phase:

NA

Brief 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 ne...

Detailed Description

In this pilot study we propose to perform controlled lactulose withdrawal in selected patients with HE whose initial presentation follows a clearly defined, reversible precipitating event or those wit...

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

  • Diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis based on biopsy, clinical and/or radiological findings.
  • Stable HE (chronic): On daily lactulose for more than 6 months without hospitalization for HE within 3 months of enrollment.
  • Treated with lactulose on a daily basis, with restoration of mental status to baseline.
  • Lives with an adult individual who is willing to serve as a full-time caregiver.
  • Able and willing to give informed consent.

Exclusion

  • Use of antibiotics, including rifaximin.
  • Patient without an adult caregiver.
  • Pre-existing focal neurological deficits, seizures or other indication of structural neurological disorder.
  • Actively abusing illicit drugs or alcohol.

Key Trial Info

Start Date :

September 1 2008

Trial Type :

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation :

ACTUAL

End Date :

May 1 2012

Estimated Enrollment :

7 Patients enrolled

Trial Details

Trial ID

NCT00914056

Start Date

September 1 2008

End Date

May 1 2012

Last Update

March 20 2013

Active Locations (1)

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Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center

Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23249