The Role of L-ornithine-L-aspartate in the Management of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy among Patients with Liver cirrhosis: a Systemic review and Meta-analysis

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of L-ornithine-L-aspartate (LOLA) in improving minimal hepatic encephalopathy in adult patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods. A search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Medline was made obtaining four qualified randomized controlled trials. Studies included adult cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy measured by the number connection test (NCT-A, B), figure connection test (FCT-A, B), picture completion, block design test, and critical flicker frequency (CFF) testing with a cut-off score of <39Hz. Methodologic assessment of studies was performed using Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool and Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.3 for statistical analysis.

Results. Of the 29 studies identified, 4 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, which entailed analysis of 238 participants (LOLA: 116, Control: 122). Three out of the four studies were used in meta-analysis and one study was analyzed separately due to a difference in the neuropsychometric measure. The metaanalysis favored experimental group (LOLA), with a mean difference of 2.29 (95% CI 0.72 – 3.86), p-value = 0.004, and an I2 of 18%.

Conclusion. LOLA provided great potential in managing encephalopathy since treating earlier related to better survival and prevention of disease progression. The results of our study supported such evidence and its use may be encouraged.