Clinical study of probiotics combined with lactulose for minimal hepatic encephalopathy treatment

Objective This study aimed to investigate the clinical effect of probiotics combined with lactulose for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) treatment. Methods A total of 88 patients with MHE were randomly divided into the control ( n = 44) and combined groups ( n = 44). The control group was treated with lactulose, while the combined group was treated with probiotics and lactulose. Serum ammonia, liver function [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)], intestinal mucosal barrier markers [fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)] and number connection test A (NCT-A) and digit symbol test (DST) scores were tested and compared between the two groups. Results The post-treatment in the control and combined groups shows decreased serum ammonia levels, ALT and AST levels, FABP2 and AGEs levels and NCT-A score and increased DST score compared with pre-treatment, with a significant difference ( P < 0.05). Post-treatment, the serum ammonia level, ALT and AST levels, FABP2 and AGEs levels, NCT-A score decreased and DST score increased in the combined group compared with the control group, with a significant difference ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Probiotics can promote lactulose in MHE treatment.