OBJECTIVETo observe therapeutic effect of colon purification on hepatic encephalopathy.

METHODS117 patients with hepatic encephalopathy treated in our hospital were randomly divided into the treatment group (59 cases) and the control group (58 cases). Routine anti-coma hepaticum treatments were carried out in both treatment and control groups, and colon purification treatment was performed in the treatment group on basis of routine anti-coma hepaticum. The changes in symptoms and signs were observed, the grading scores of hepatic encephalopathy were evaluated, liver function was tested and blood ammonia level was determined before and after treatment in the two groups. Time for regaining consciousness was recorded after treatment in the two groups.

RESULTSThe symptoms and signs were obviously improved, time for regaining consciousness was shortened, the grading scores decreased, and serum aminotransferase activity and bilirubin level and blood ammonia level significantly decreased in the treatment group as compared with those of the control group. Total effective rate in the treatment was significantly higher than that in the control group and death rate in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONColon purification treatment is effective for hepatic encephalopathy due to cirrhosis.