Sodium benzoate for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in humans and animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
van Zoest D, Gal B, Agha AH, den Hoed CM, Langendonk JG, Wagenmakers MAEM, Peltenburg C
European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology, 2024 Dec 19
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a life-threatening condition where brain function is impaired mainly due to high systemic ammonia levels. HE is associated with a high 1-year mortality. No universally accepted guidelines for the treatment of HE exist. Nitrogen scavengers, such as sodium benzoate (SB), have been proven very effective to treat hyperammonemia in patients with urea cycle defects, in acute and chronic settings. We hypothesized that SB can also be an effective treatment of HE caused by end-stage liver disease or portosystemic shunting, as long as liver function is partially intact. The aim of this meta-analysis is to study the effect of SB in humans and animals with HE due to end-stage liver disease or portosystemic shunting.