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Cirrhosis, LiverPhase 3NCT03695705

Rifaximin and Norfloxacin for Prevention of SBP in Adults With Decompensated Cirrhosis

A Phase 3 study testing Rifaximin 550 mg twice a day and Norfloxacin 400 mg once a day in people with Cirrhosis, Liver, run by Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent and severe complication of cirrhotic patients with ascites.Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with effective antibiotics significantly improves the prognosis of this complication. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Cirrhosis, Liver
What is being tested?
Rifaximin 550 mg twice a day and Norfloxacin 400 mg once a day
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
142 participants
Where
No sites listed yet
Study dates
1 Jan 2016to 30 Jun 2017
Phase
Phase 3
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Low Ascitic fluid protein level <1gm/dl
  • Advanced liver disease as evidenced by CTP≥9
  • Serum billirubin≥3 mg/dl
  • Impaired renal function defined by serum creatinine≥1.2 mg/dl
  • Blood urea nitrogen 25mg/dl
  • Serum sodium level≤ 1.2 meq/l

Who cannot join

  • Inability to obtain informed consent from patient or relatives.
  • Acute on chronic liver failure
  • Severe cardiopulmonary disease
  • Pregnancy
  • Age <18yrs
  • Post liver transplant patients
Show all 15Show fewer
  • HIV infection
  • Recent abdominal surgery(with in last 6 months)
  • Portal vein thrombosis
  • Splenectomy
  • Patient on immunosuppressive drugs except for alcoholic steatohepatitis
  • Patients on psychoactive drugs, such as antidepressants or sedatives
  • Hypersensitivity to norfloxacin and rifaximin
  • Malignancies including Hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Prior history of hepatic encephalopathy on Rifaximin -

About this study

Official title: Randomized Control Trial of Rifaximin and Norfloxacin in Primary and Secondary Prophylaxis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis(SBP) in Cirrhotic Patients

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent and severe complication of cirrhotic patients with ascites.Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with effective antibiotics significantly improves the prognosis of this complication. The recommended treatment is a third generation cephalosporin given intravenously for five days.Following recovery patients should receive secondary prophylaxis with a quinolone such as oral norfloxacin 400 mg/day.Also all patients should be assessed for liver transplantation.

Most commonly used antibiotic for both primary and secondary prophylaxis is norfloxacin 400 mg once daily.Other antibiotics like cotrimoxazole,ceftriaxone,ciprofloxacin and rifaximin have also been evaluated in various studies.Use of antibiotic prophylaxis has been evaluated to decrease recurrence of SBP in treated groups than in control groups.

Read more

Rifaximin is an oral antimicrobial agent with broad-spectrum activity that is gut-selective and nonsystemic. Rifaximin appears to have a low level of selection for resistant bacterial mutants. Intestinal decontamination is known to increase peripheral blood counts by suppressing endotoxemia and inhibiting the effects of cytokines and nitric oxide on blood counts.

With this mechanisms rifaximin has been already proven to decrease recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy.The most important mechanism for development of SBP is bacterial translocation (BT).Translocation of enteric flora occurs via defective mucosal barrier.BT is considered the key step in pathogenesis of SBP and cirrhotic patients.It is also the critical factor that is responsible for host immune response and secreation of inflammatory mediators that is responsible for hemodynamic changes in cirrhotics.Three most important mechanism of bacterial translocation include bacterial overgrowth,physical disruption of gut mucosal barrier and impaired host defence.

Rifaximin by mechanism of gut decontamination may reduce translocation of intestinal bacteria into mesenteric lymph nodes then into ascitic fluid.Thus it may prove useful in preventing recurrence of SBP.There was no study till date that has compared efficacy of Norfloxacin and rifaximin to prevent development of SBP.This pilot study was done to compare the efficacy of rifaximin with norfloxacin in both primary and secondary prophylaxis of SBP in a prospective randomized open-label and non-inferiority trial

Read the detailed description

Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis, and 60% of patients with compensated cirrhosis develop ascites within 10 years during the course of their disease . Ascites occurs only when portal hypertension has developed and is related to inability to excrete an adequate amount of sodium into urine, leading to a positive sodium balance.Evidence suggests that renal sodium retention in patients with cirrhosis is secondary to arterial splanchnic vasodilation. This causes a decrease in effective arterial blood volume with activation of arterial and cardiopulmonary volume receptors, and homeostatic activation of vasoconstrictor and sodium-retaining systems (i.e., the sympathetic nervous system and the (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system). Renal sodium retention leads to expansion of the extracellular fluid volume and formation of ascites and edema . The development of ascites is associated with a poor prognosis and impaired quality of life in patients with cirrhosis . Thus, patients with ascites should generally be considered for referral for liver transplantation. There is a clear rationale for the management of ascites in patients with cirrhosis, as a successful treatment may improve the outcome and symptoms.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent and severe complication of cirrhotic patients with ascites.Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with effective antibiotics significantly improves the prognosis of this complication. The recommended treatment is a third generation cephalosporin given intravenously for five days. The most commonly used is cefotaxime, up to 4 g/day in 2-4 divided doses because of its proven efficacy and safety3. Repeat diagnostic paracentesis to document response by a greater than 25% decrease in ascitic fluid neutrophil count at 48 hours after commencement of antibiotic is recommended. With this regimen, recovery from SBP is higher than 80-90% and 30-day survival is at least 80%.Following recovery patients should receive secondary prophylaxis with a quinolone such as oral norfloxacin 400 mg/day.Also all patients should be assessed for liver transplantation

.Most commonly used antibiotic for both primary and secondary prophylaxis is norfloxacin 400 mg once daily.Other antibiotics like cotrimoxazole,ceftriaxone,ciprofloxacin and rifaximin have also been evaluated in various studies.Use of antibiotic prophylaxis has been evaluated to decrease recurrence of SBP in treated groups than in control groups.

Rifaximin is an oral antimicrobial agent with broad-spectrum activity that is gut-selective and nonsystemic. Rifaximin appears to have a low level of selection for resistant bacterial mutants and may not confer the same risks as those associated with systemic antibiotics. A study in patients with alcohol-related decompensated cirrhosis reported that rifaximin treatment reduced endotoxin levels and resulted in significantly decreased hepatic venous pressure gradient values, which decreased the occurrence of complications in advanced liver disease.13Intestinal decontamination with rifaximin has been shown to increase platelet count significantly in thrombocytopenic patients with cirrhosis.This benefit is thought to be achieved through a concomitant reduction of endotoxemia.Improvements in platelet counts in patients with thrombocytopenia could decrease bleeding risks and complications of medical procedures, and help stabilize underlying liver disease. Intestinal decontamination is also known to increase peripheral blood counts by suppressing endotoxemia and inhibiting the effects of cytokines and nitric oxide on blood counts.

With this mechanisms rifaximin has been already proven to decrease recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy.The most important mechanism for development of SBP is bacterial translocation (BT) which refers to entry of bacteria or their products into regional lymph nodes,systemic circulation and extraintestinal organs.Translocation of enteric flora occurs via defective mucosal barrier.BT is considered the key step in pathogenesis of SBP and cirrhotic patients.It is also the critical factor that is responsible for host immune response and secreation of inflammatory mediators that is responsible for hemodynamic changes in cirrhotics.Three most important mechanism of bacterial translocation include bacterial overgrowth,physical disruption of gut mucosal barrier and impaired host defence.

Rifaximin by mechanism of gut decontamination may reduce translocation of intestinal bacteria into mesenteric lymph nodes then into ascitic fluid.Thus it may prove useful in preventing recurrence of SBP.There is no study till date that has compared efficacy of Norfloxacin and rifaximin to prevent development of SBP.This pilot study was done to compare the efficacy of rifaximin with norfloxacin in both primary and secondary prophylaxis of SBP in a prospective randomized open-label and non-inferiority trial

Being tested
Rifaximin 550 mg twice a day and Norfloxacin 400 mg once a day
Keywords
Norfloxacin,Rifaximin,Prophylaxis
Medical subject headings
Liver Cirrhosis

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Rifaximin 550 mg twice a day and Norfloxacin 400 mg once a dayDrug

    Patients on Rifaximin prophylaxis will be given 550 mg twice daily and on Norfloxacin prophylaxis will receive Norfloxacin 400 mg once daily for 6 months

Study groups in NCT03695705
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Primary prophylaxis armOther28 Patients with decompensated cirrhosis without past history of SBP were randomised to receive Rifaximin at dose 550 mg twice daily.29 Patients with decompensated cirrhosis without past history of SBP were randomized to receive Norfloxacin at dose 400 mg once daily
Receives: Drug: Rifaximin 550 mg twice a day and Norfloxacin 400 mg once a day
Secondary prophylaxis armOther26 Patients with decompensated cirrhosis with past history of SBP were randomized to receive Rifaximin at dose 550 mg twice daily.33 Patients with decompensated cirrhosis with past history of SBP were randomized to receive Norfloxacin at dose 400 mg once daily
Receives: Drug: Rifaximin 550 mg twice a day and Norfloxacin 400 mg once a day

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Incidence SBP in patients on Rifaximin prophylaxis compared to Norfloxacin

    Incidence of development of SBP in patients with(Secondary prophylaxis) or without(Primary prophylaxis) in patients on Rifaximin compared to norfloxacin

    Measured: 6 months

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Incidence of hepatic encephalopathy

    Incidence of development of hepatic encephalopathy in patients on Rifaximin prophylaxis compared to Norfloxacin prophylaxis

    Measured: 6 months

  2. Incidence of overall mortality

    Incidence of mortality in patients on Rifaximin prophylaxis compared to Norfloxacin prophylaxis

    Measured: 6 months

  3. Incidence of development of sepsis

    Incidence of development of sepsis in patients on Rifaximin prophylaxis compared to Norfloxacin prophylaxis

    Measured: 6 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted4 Oct 2018
  2. Study start1 Jan 2016
  3. Primary completion31 Dec 2016
  4. Study completion30 Jun 2017

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 3
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
142 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03695705
Sponsor's protocol ID
PGIMER
Status last verified
Oct 2018
First submitted
27 Sep 2018
Last updated
4 Oct 2018
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Zacharias HD, Kamel F, Tan J, Kimer N, Gluud LL, Morgan MY. Rifaximin for prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in people with cirrhosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Jul 19;7(7):CD011585. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011585.pub2.

    PubMed 37467180
  • Praharaj DL, Premkumar M, Roy A, Verma N, Taneja S, Duseja A, Dhiman RK. Rifaximin Vs. Norfloxacin for Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Prophylaxis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Exp Hepatol. 2022 Mar-Apr;12(2):336-342. doi: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.08.010. Epub 2021 Aug 18.

    PubMed 35535057

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 3 study testing Rifaximin 550 mg twice a day and Norfloxacin 400 mg once a day in people with Cirrhosis, Liver, run by Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 15 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Oct 2018. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Incidence SBP in patients on Rifaximin prophylaxis compared to Norfloxacin (time frame: 6 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03695705, which also lists 2 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Oct 2018.

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