Efficacy of Lactoferrin as an Adjunct Therapy in Patients With Hepatic Encephalopathy

Efficacy of Lactoferrin as an Adjunct Therapy in Patients With Hepatic Encephalopathy

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of lactoferrin as an adjunct therapy in improving clinical symptoms and laboratory indices in individuals with hepatic encephalopathy.

Nonabsorbable disaccharides, such as lactulose or lactitol, decrease the absorption of ammonia and are considered a first-line treatment for hepatic encephalopathy. Antimicrobial therapy also is a part of treatment regimen to alter the gut microbiota to create a more favorable microbiome that results in lower endogenous bacterial production of ammonia and Rifaximin is now the preferred antimicrobial agent for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Many researchers have focused on identifying promising therapeutics and prebiotics in the hope of improving the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, therefore there is a need to add an adjuvant therapy to decrease oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years and older.
• Grade I and II hepatic encephalopathy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Grade III and IV hepatic encephalopathy.
• Individuals confirmed to be allergic to milk protein