Is impaired intestinal transit and bacterial overgrowth associated with the presence and severity of hepatic encephalopathy?
50 patients will undergo a detailed clinical evaluation for severity of liver disease, hepatic encephalopathy and assessment of intestinal transit and bacterial overgrowth with radiographic marker study and breath test analysis. Multivariate analysis will then be performed to determine the relationship of intestinal transit and evidence of bacterial overgrowth with the presence and severity of hepatic encephalopathy. B. Does treatment with rifaximin improve bacterial overgrowth and hepatic encephalopathy? 20 patients from the above population with significant encephalopathy will be randomized to receive either rifaximin or placebo. Post-treatment evaluation for severity of hepatic encephalopathy and breath test analysis for bacterial overgrowth will then be performed. The effect of treatment on changes in hepatic encephalopathy and bacterial overgrowth and the relationship between changes in bacterial overgrowth and severity of hepatic encephalopathy will also be assessed. Phase A Endp
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