Background: Rifaximin, a nonsystemic antibiotic, may be used alone or in combination with lactulose for reducing the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) recurrence in adults. This analysis evaluated rifaximin alone and rifaximin + lactulose (combination) on health-related quality of life (QOL) and caregiver burden in patients with a history of OHE. Methods: In a [...]

Background: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common neurological complication in patients with cirrhosis. In addition to numerous morbidity-related issues, HE is associated with substantial economic burden. Treatment includes lactulose or rifaximin, a nonsystemic antibiotic that is indicated for reducing the risk of overt HE recurrence in adults. Rifaximin has also been shown to reduce the [...]

Case Presentation: A 51-year-old woman presented with recurrent confusion and altered mental status over the past 6 months. She reported associated hallucinations, altered sleep cycle and hyper-arousal symptoms. She was treated with lactulose and rifaximin for suspected hepatic encephalopathy with no improvement. She denied any other symptoms. Past medical history was significant for cirrhosis secondary [...]

Case Presentation: A hospitalized 71-year-old female became acutely encephalopathic after an esophagogastroduodenoscopy under conscious sedation which was performed to evaluate a chronic esophageal ulcer and other potential causes of dysphagia. Her past medical history was significant for obesity, hypothyroidism, chronic back pain, peripheral neuropathy, colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma with carcinomatosis and metastases to the lung, chronic [...]