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| Effects of probiotic therapy on hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis: an updated meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials |
| Jun Xu, Rui Ma, Li-Feng Chen, Li-Jun Zhao, Kan Chen and Ren-Bing Zhang |
Hangzhou, China
Author Affiliations: Department of Surgery, Zhejiang University Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China (Xu J, Ma R, Chen LF, Zhao LJ, Chen K and Zhang RB)
Corresponding Author: Ren-Bing Zhang, MD, Department of Surgery, Zhejiang University Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China (Tel: +86-571-87952581; Email: zrb94276@zju.edu.cn) |
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Abstract BACKGROUND: Liver cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy have poor prognosis. Probiotics alter the intestinal microbiota and reduce the production of ammonia. We conducted a meta-analysis about the role of probiotics on liver cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
DATA SOURCES: We collected the relevant literatures up to February 21, 2014 from databases of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. A statistical analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.2 and STATA 12.0 software.
RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials involving 496 liver cirrhotic patients were included. The results showed that probiotic therapy significantly reduced the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OR [95% CI]: 0.42 [0.26, 0.70], P=0.0007). However, probiotics did not affect mortality, levels of serum ammonia and constipation (mortality: OR [95% CI]: 0.73 [0.38, 1.41], P=0.35; serum ammonia: WMD [95% CI]: -3.67 [-15.71, 8.37], P=0.55; constipation: OR [95% CI]: 0.67 [0.29, 1.56], P=0.35).
CONCLUSION: Probiotics decrease overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis.
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2014, Vol. 13 
