Emricasan for the treatment of liver cirrhosis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Introduction: The efficacy of emricasan for liver cirrhosis remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of emricasan versus placebo on the treatment of liver cirrhosis. Methods: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through August 2021 and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of emricasan versus placebo for liver cirrhosis. This meta-analysis was performed using the random-effect model. Results: Four RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for liver cirrhosis, emricasan treatment had no substantial impact on MELD (SMD=-0.19; 95% CI=-0.44 to 0.06; P=0.14), INR (SMD=0.12; 95% CI=-0.13 to 0.37; P=0.36), total bilirubin (SMD=-0.27; 95% CI=-0.56 to 0.01; P=0.06), serum albumin (SMD=0; 95% CI=-0.25 to 0.25; P=1.00) or adverse events (OR=1.35; 95% CI=0.56 to 3.24; P=0.50). Conclusions: Emricasan treatment provided no benefit for the treatment of liver cirrhosis. Keywords: Emricasan; liver cirrhosis; randomized controlled trials; meta-analysis.