Effect of long-term non-absorbable antibiotics administration on the cirrhotic process: I. Effect of paromomycin sulfate administration on the level of serum albumin and γ-globulin in cirrhosis in man

Abstract

Broitman demonstrated that chronic neomycin administration prevented the development of cirrhosis of choline deficiency in rats. So we studied the efficacy of oral paromomycin sulfate (non absorbable antibiotics) administration in the prevention of cirrhotic process in man. After observation of serum albumin and γ-globulin level for 3 months, paromomycin sulfate, 2.0g per day, or placebo was administered for 6 months, and changes in albumin and in γ-globulin level were examined in every three months. Out of 12 cirrhotic patients treated with paromomycin, 8 showed significant increase in serum albumin as compared with none of 8 in the placebo group. While, 5 of the paromomycin group showed significant decrease in serum γ-globulin level, as compared with none in the placebo group. On the other hand, of the 9 cirrhotic patients whose endotoxemia diminished after paromomycin treatment, 6 showed significant increase in serum albumin level. So, it is suggested that paromomycin would improve the serum albumin and γ-globulin level in cirrhosis through the diminution of the endotoxemia caused by the reduction in number of the intestinal bacteria.