Influence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth on liver cirrhosis and its treatment / 临床肝胆病杂志

ABSTRACT

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is characterized by changes in the number or species of small intestinal flora. Patients with liver cirrhosis often have intestinal congestion, edema, and delayed peristalsis and develop SIBO, which can further aggravate intestinal abnormalities. In patients with liver cirrhosis, SIBO can lead to significant adverse clinical outcomes, and since the increase in intestinal permeability may cause bacterial translocation into systemic circulation, SIBO is considered an important risk factor in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatic encephalopathy. Antibiotics, especially rifaximin, are the most effective therapies for SIBO, and in addition, studies are being conducted to investigate the efficacy of potential therapies such as prokinetic agents, probiotics, non-selective β-receptor blocker, and liver transplantation.