Efficacy of lactulose supplementation as a preventive measure for cardiovascular events post myocardial infarction: a preliminary retrospective study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of death worldwide. Several studies have suggested that the gut microbiome plays an important role in MI via its metabolites and immune regulation mechanisms. Lactulose is a safe molecule that can be used as an osmotic laxative in clinical treatment, potentially through altering the gut microbiota. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of lactulose on cardiovascular events after acute MI (AMI). Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from the electronic medical records of 165 patients admitted with AMI from June 2016 to March 2021. We classified patients with AMI into two groups according to the intake of lactulose supplements, and baseline characteristics were compared between the two groups. The effects of lactulose on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were evaluated using logistic regression, Cox regression, and linear regression models. Results After adjusting for confounding factors, lactulose use was independently associated with a lower risk of MACEs post-AMI during hospitalization (composite adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.4, 95 % CI, 0.16-0.95, P = 0.038). Conclusion Taken together, the results of this study indicate that lactulose is a safe and potentially effective treatment option for patients with AMI managed in routine practice settings.