Critical analysis of studies evaluating the efficacy of infusion of L-ornithine L-aspartate in clinical hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver failure

Abstract

Introduction. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) refers to a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome that is progressive but potentially reversible and may have a significant impact on quality of life, as it is characterized by alterations in cognitive function, behavior and personality as well as transient neurological symptoms and electroencephalographic abnormalities. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate scientific evidence for the effectiveness and safety of LOLA infusions for treatment of clinical hepatic encephalopathy in patients with chronic liver disease. Material and methods. We included all randomized, controlled, double-blind, and humans' studies that were published in indexed journals. Results. Were identified 48 references (17 using PubMed, 12 using Medline and 19 using the Cochrane database). Of these, six were selected as having met the inclusion criteria. A total of 623 patients were randomized in these publications. Conclusion. The available scientific evidence supports the adoption of LOLA infusion as a treatment for clinical encephalopathy in patients with liver failure, because it has been shown to improve neuropsychiatric status and decrease serum levels of ammonia with a low incidence of adverse effects (less than 5%).