The Rapeutic Effects of Lactulose on Hepatic Encephalopathy

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of lactulose in fatal hepatitis patients with hepatic encephalopathy.Methods Sixty two fatal hepatitis patients with hepatic encephalopathy during year 2008～2010 were investigated.The therapeutic outcomes were compared between routine treatments and routine plus lactulose oral administration or enteroclysm.Blood ammonia levels were detected by enzyme assay in all these 62 patients.Results Lactulose treatment for two weeks could significantly reduce the blood ammonia levels in fatal hepatitis patients.Lactulose oral administration or enteroclysm plus routine treatments showed better therapeutic effects than routine treatments in fatal hepatitis patients with hepatic encephalopathy.Conclusion Blood ammonia increase played an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy.Its levels showed important role in the diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of fatal hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.Lactulose treatment for two weeks could significantly reduce the blood ammonia levels in fatal hepatitis patients.