Lactobacillus acidophilus (Enpac) in Treatment of Hepatic Encephalopathy

Abstract

In five out of seven patients with chronic hepatic encephalopathy on long-term neomycin, Enpac (a freeze-dried preparation of Lactobacillus acidophilus) produced an improvement in the E.E.G. and clinical status. A fall in blood ammonia occurred in three out of five patients tested. A short course of Enpac for seven days was less effective than neomycin in producing E.E.G., clinical, and ammonia changes. Enpac is a convenient way of attempting “ medical colectomy ” in hepatic encephalopathy and a worth-while therapeutic addition to treatment of this condition. © 1966, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.