Intravenous and Oral Hyperammonemia Management

AbstractPurpose of ReviewHyperammonemia have significant morbidity and mortality. In this paper, we reviewed the latest research and evidence of both conventional and upcoming oral or intravenous treatments.Recent FindingsNew updates on the role of oral agents such as rifaximin, PEG, probiotics, glycerol phenylbutyrate, and zinc supplements in the management of both chronic hyperammonemia and overt hepatic encephalopathy have been discussed in this review. We discussed the recent findings on the role of branched-chain amino acids in patients with cirrhosis.SummaryRifaximin role has expanded as mono or combination therapy in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Probiotics and zinc might play a role in the prevention of overt hepatic encephalopathy. Newer oral agents such as activated carbon seem to be promising. Saline or albumin might play a role in diuretic-induced hyperammonemia but their role is yet to be determined. More research is needed for new interventions and treatment validation.
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research