An Oral Formulation of the Probiotic, HU58, Was Safe and Well Tolerated in a Pilot Study of Patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy.

Background: Hepatic encephalopathy often results in high blood ammonia levels because of inefficient ammonia processing by the liver. Lactulose treatment promotes the growth of urease-producing gut bacteria and a reduced colon pH, thus reducing blood ammonia absorption. It is thought that probiotics as an add-on therapy may be beneficial.