What Improves Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy: Probiotic Yogurt, Protein Restriction or Nonabsorbable Disaccharides?

The article looks at the various treatments available for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). The neuropsychotic disorder hepatic encephalopathy is associated with liver failure or porto-systemic venous shunting. A meta-analysis of lactulose in MHE showed that it prevented the progression to overt HE, reduced blood ammonia levels and improved health-related quality of life. A study on the use of probiotic yogurt for the treatment of MHE in nonalcoholic cirrhosis patients is also noted.