Rifaximin in Cirrhosis: Effects on Endotoxin and Haemostatic Indexes

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 18-75 years * Patients of Child-Pugh grade B or C (decompensated liver cirrhosis, as confirmed by clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory results, ultrasound and spiral computed tomography) Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of overt infection or sepsis * Treatment with systemic or non-absorbable antibiotic, aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressant drugs in the previous 30 days * Recent need of transfusion of platelets or plasma * Presence of extra-hepatic malignancy * Active alcohol intake in the last 6 months * Pregnancy or breast feeding * Presence of overt HE, GI haemorrhage, SBP or other concurrent infections during the previous one month * Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection * Chronic renal and/or respiratory insufficiency * Severe heart disease * Allergy to rifaximin * Active post-viral hepatitis requiring or on direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents * Previous or active intestinal obstruction.