CompletedPhase 3

Rifaximin and Norfloxacin for Prevention of SBP in Adults With Decompensated Cirrhosis

142 participantsStarted 2016-01-01

Plain-language summary

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent and severe complication of cirrhotic patients with ascites.Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with effective antibiotics significantly improves the prognosis of this complication. The recommended treatment is a third generation cephalosporin given intravenously for five days.Following recovery patients should receive secondary prophylaxis with a quinolone such as oral norfloxacin 400 mg/day.Also all patients should be assessed for liver transplantation. Most commonly used antibiotic for both primary and secondary prophylaxis is norfloxacin 400 mg once daily.Other antibiotics like cotrimoxazole,ceftriaxone,ciprofloxacin and rifaximin have also been evaluated in various studies.Use of antibiotic prophylaxis has been evaluated to decrease recurrence of SBP in treated groups than in control groups. Rifaximin is an oral antimicrobial agent with broad-spectrum activity that is gut-selective and nonsystemic. Rifaximin appears to have a low level of selection for resistant bacterial mutants. Intestinal decontamination is known to increase peripheral blood counts by suppressing endotoxemia and inhibiting the effects of cytokines and nitric oxide on blood counts. With this mechanisms rifaximin has been already proven to decrease recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy.The most important mechanism for development of SBP is bacterial translocation (BT).Translocation of enteric flora occurs via defective mucosal barrier.BT is considered the key step in pathogenesis of SBP and cirrhotic patients.It is also the critical factor that is responsible for host immune response and secreation of inflammatory mediators that is responsible for hemodynamic changes in cirrhotics.Three most important mechanism of bacterial translocation include bacterial overgrowth,physical disruption of gut mucosal barrier and impaired host defence. Rifaximin by mechanism of gut decontamination may reduce translocation of intestinal bacteria into mesenteric lymph nodes then into ascitic fluid.Thus it may prove useful in preventing recurrence of SBP.There was no study till date that has compared efficacy of Norfloxacin and rifaximin to prevent development of SBP.This pilot study was done to compare the efficacy of rifaximin with norfloxacin in both primary and secondary prophylaxis of SBP in a prospective randomized open-label and non-inferiority trial

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Low Ascitic fluid protein level \<1gm/dl
. Advanced liver disease as evidenced by CTP≥9
. Serum billirubin≥3 mg/dl
. Impaired renal function defined by serum creatinine≥1.2 mg/dl
. Blood urea nitrogen 25mg/dl
. Serum sodium level≤ 1.2 meq/l

Exclusion criteria

. Inability to obtain informed consent from patient or relatives.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Incidence SBP in patients on Rifaximin prophylaxis compared to Norfloxacin

Timeframe: 6 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03695705

SponsorPost Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2016-12-31

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