Quality of Life and Nutritional Improvements in Cirrhotic Patients
Quality of Life and Nutritional Improvements in Cirrhotic Patients
The purpose of this study is to determine whether taking Rifaximin (Xifaxan) in conjunction
 with the use of nutritional concepts is effective in improving morbidity and quality of life
 in cirrhotic patients suffering from hepatic encephalopathy (HE).
Prevention of portal hypertension complications should be at the forefront. In doing so, the
 end result will be an improvement in the multitude of morbidity and mortality issues. The
 proposed prospective trial will compare patients with similar demographics and medical and
 clinical settings utilizing standard of care therapy. Study subjects will be randomly
 assigned into two treatment groups. Group one will receive Lactulose 30ml three times a day
 as SOC and Rifaximin Placebo 550mg twice a day with nutritional supervision and group two
 will receive Rifaximin 550mg twice per day as SOC and Lactulose placebo 30ml three times per
 day with nutritional supervision.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Male and female gender of Age 18 years or older

 -  Liver cirrhosis defined as one or more of the following: Radio-graphically proven
 portal hypertension (CT with nodular appearance) or Liver biopsy with cirrhosis

 -  Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score < 20

 -  Willingness to provide written informed consent, and participate in all study
 requirements

 -  Sodium greater than 130 meq/L

 -  Conn Score < 2

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Active alcohol consumption

 -  Serum total bilirubin level > 5 mg/dl

 -  History of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and malignancies other than basal cell
 carcinoma of the skin

 -  Pregnant or breastfeeding women

 -  Subject has renal insufficiency requiring routine dialysis

 -  Poorly controlled diabetes as defined by HgA1C > 10

 -  Narcotic/psychotropic usage other than a stable dose of antidepressant and/or
 methadone. Neurontin (gabapentin) and Lyrica (pregabalin) are permitted if the subject
 has been on a stable dose for at least 2 months prior to the screening visit and no
 change of dosing is expected throughout the length of the trial

 -  Any of the following diagnoses:

 -  HIV

 -  Evidence of severe concomitant illness or any condition that makes them unsuitable for
 the study in the opinion of the investigator(s)

 -  Subject has received an investigational drug within 30 days prior to enrollment