[Valine and branched-chain amino acids in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy]

Z Gastroenterol. 1993 Apr;31(4):235-41.
[Article in German]

Abstract

We studied the effects of infusion of a liver adapted amino acid solution (Amino-Mel hepa: Group A) versus a liver adapted amino acid solution plus L-valine (Amino-Mel hepa + L-valine: Group B) in 30 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis with coma. Each 15 patients were randomly allocated to the group A and B, respectively. Both regimens included the infusion of glucose and fat, further supplementation of vitamins and trace elements in addition to the amino acid solution. The results of this study show that in patients with advanced stage of hepatic coma a valine increased supply of branched chain amino acids neither influences the course of the disease nor the death rate. The prognosis of patients with this disease is mainly determined by liver function and accompanying complications.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids, Branched-Chain / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / therapy
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Male
  • Parenteral Nutrition, Total*
  • Valine / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Amino Acids, Branched-Chain
  • Valine