Eradication of H pylori in patients with subclinical hepatic encephalopathy

ABSTRACT

This prospective study evaluated the prevalence of H. pylori infection in 60 patients with advanced cirrhosis of the liver and subclinical hepatic encephalopathy [SHE], diagnosed by the changes in psychometric test [number connection test], as well as the repercussion of H. pylori eradication on ammonemia and the evolution of this disorder. The study concluded that H. pylori infection does not contribute significantly to the high blood levels of ammonia in patients with advanced cirrhosis and SHE. The improvement in both blood ammonia levels and NCT after H. pylori treatment seems to be due to the effect of antimicrobial drugs, as an improvement occurred in both H. pylori positive and negative group