Gelum drops in hepatic encephalopathy

Gelum drops with positive effects in hepatic encephalopathy

20/02/2013

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is one of the possible complications of liver cirrhosis. Now, in one study, a potassium-iron-phosphate-citrate complex (gelum drop) has been tested for its efficacy and safety in the treatment of MHE: positive results.

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is a functional disorder of the central nervous system that is associated with neurological abnormalities. These are explained by the defective elimination of the cell poison ammonia from the blood.

Gelum drops in the course of the intestinal passage bind the ammonia, ie the main pathogenetic factor of an MHE. The ammonia is excreted with the drops again and the body so clearly relieved. So the result of the study.

In the placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial, 51 MHE patients were divided into two groups of equal size. They received either Gelum drops or placebo for 4 weeks. In a special syndrome test, the verum group showed significantly better results. 72% of the patients in the Gelum group were responders. In comparison, only 26.9% responded positively in the placebo group. The quality of life also improved in the Gelum group.

Gelum drops in suitable dosage:
Gelum drops are now approved for "liver cirrhosis with minimal hepatic encephalopathy". The dosage for MHE was set at three times 40 drops (3 x 2 ml). (Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013 Mar; 25 (3): 352-8.)