Direct acting inhibitors of ammoniagenesis: a role in post-TIPS encephalopathy?

Journal Title: Annals of Hepatology - Year 2014, Vol 13, Issue 2

Abstract

A limited number of medications are typically considered for the management of hepatic encephalopathy occurring as a complication of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement. Multiple alternative compounds aimed at disrupting ammoniagenesis are or will soon be available, though their use tends to be limited by a lack of large data sets and of clinical awareness. In this review, we provide a targeted overview of the mechanisms and availability of five anti-ammoniagenic compounds (sodium phenylbutyrate, glycerol phenylbutyrate, sodium benzoate, L-ornithine L-aspartate, and ornithine phenylacetate) identified as possibly useful alternative therapeutic agents for cirrhotic encephalopathy. Three of these medications have been FDA approved for use in congenital urea cycle disorders only, while two are under active investigation for use in cirrhotic patients. In spite of limitations posed by cost and comorbidities, familiarity with these options may prove beneficial in cases refractory to conventional management.

Authors and Affiliations

Nitin K. Ahuja Ahuja, Winston A. Ally, Stephen H. Caldwell

Keywords

Related Articles

Successful treatment of severe hepatopulmonary syndrome with a sequential use of TIPS placement and liver transplantation

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a complication of portal hypertension (PH) defined by the presence of liver disease, abnormal pulmonary gas exchange and evidence of intrapulmonary vascular dilatations (IPVD) producing...

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the metabolic syndrome in an urban hospital serving an African community

Background. Liver disease continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, due to the high endemicity of viral hepatitis B. However non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may...

Validation of the Simplified Criteria for the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Hepatitis in Chilean-Hispanic Patients

Introduction and aim. In 2008 the International autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) Group proposed the simplified diagnostic criteria for this disease. The original cohort study was performed in 11 international centers, but vali...

Adipokines in a group of mexican patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Introduction: Leptin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. It has also been suggested that adiponectin plays an important role in the transition from fatty liver disease to nonalcoholic...

The role of Interleukin 28B gene polymorphism in Turkish patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and aim. Multiple risk factors lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) including viral infections, mutation and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Interleukin 28B (IL28B) gene rs12979860 polymorphism has b...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP78373
  • DOI -
  • Views 121
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Nitin K. Ahuja Ahuja, Winston A. Ally, Stephen H. Caldwell (2014). Direct acting inhibitors of ammoniagenesis: a role in post-TIPS encephalopathy?. Annals of Hepatology, 13(2), 179-186. https://europub.co.uk./articles/-A-78373