Pilot Study Of The Effect Of Rifaximin On B-Cell Dysregulation In Cirrhosis
Status:
Terminated
Trial end date:
2017-06-12
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Hepatitis C is the leading cause of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis in United States
veterans. Cirrhosis is associated with impaired antibody responses and increased risk of
bacterial infections. We have recently identified that cirrhosis is associated with
abnormalities of memory B-cells, cells that make antibodies and help protect against
bacterial infections. We have identified that chemicals associated with gut bacteria might
play a role in causing these B-cell abnormalities. It is well known that gut bacteria have
increased access to the blood in individuals with cirrhosis, a process called bacterial
translocation. We hypothesize that reducing bacteria counts in the gut by using
poorly-absorbed antibiotics (also known as selective gut decontamination) will partially
reverse losses of memory B-cells in cirrhosis by reducing bacterial translocation.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
David E. Kaplan, MD MSc
Collaborators:
Bausch Health Americas, Inc. Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.