Efficiency of Norfloxacin in the Prophylaxis of Hepatorenal Syndrome

Abstract

Purpose - to evaluate norfloxacin efficacy for the prevention of hepatorenal syndrome(HRS) development in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and concomitant chronicpyelonephritis.Material and methods. In all, 157 patients, divided into two groups depending on themethod of HRS prevention, were examined: group 1 (n = 78) - received placebo; group 2(n = 79) - received norfloxacin. The main endpoint of the study was short-term survival.The probability curves were constructed using the Kaplan – Mayer method.Results. The rate of renal failure was much lower in group 2 (7 vs. 16 patients, p = 0.03).HRS was associated with bacterial infection in 4 patients of group 2 and in 6 patients ofgroup 1. HRS developed during the first 3 months of the follow-up period in 9 patientsin group 1 and only 1 patient in group 2 (p = 0.006). The incidence of HRS developmentduring the first 14 days was significantly lower in group 2. In all, 10 patients died ingroup 2 and 13 in group 1. The main cause of death in both groups was HRS (5 and8 patients, respectively). Mortality during the first 3 months was significantly higherin group 1 (10 vs. 2 patients, p = 0.02). Three-month (group 2 - 94%, group 1 - 62%)and annual survival (60% vs. 48%, respectively, p = 0.05) were significantly higher ingroup 2.Conclusions. Peroral antibiotic prophylaxis with norfloxacin almost 5 times reduces therisk of hepatorenal syndrome development type 1 in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosisand concomitant chronic pyelonephritis, and increases their short-term survival.