Clinical comparison of branched-chain amino acid (l-Leucine, l-Isoleucine, l-Valine) granules and oral nutrition for hepatic insufficiency in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (LIV-EN study).

Abstract

This multicenter study compared the effects of branched-chain amino acid granules (Livact((R)) Granules, LIV) and an enteral nutrient for chronic hepatic failure (Aminoleban((R)) EN, EN) on serum albumin in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. This study enrolled "patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis associated with hepatic encephalopathy who were suffering from hypoalbuminemia in spite of adequate food intake," a condition for which both drugs are indicated. Enrolled patients were randomized to the two groups according to the central registration method. This study continued for 24 weeks. Selected foods were supplied to each patient in principle so that caloric and protein intakes were standardized between the two groups. A total of 281 patients were enrolled. LIV was not inferior to EN concerning the primary efficacy endpoint changes in serum albumin.

• Authors: Shunichi Sato, Akiharu Watanabe, Yasutoshi Muto, Kazuyuki Suzuki, Akinobu Kato, Hisataka Moriwaki, Masahiko Kato, Teiji Nakamura, LIV-EN Study Group
• Journal: Hepatology research : the official journal of the Japan Society of Hepatology (Hepatol Res) Vol. 31 Issue 4 Pg. 232-40 (Apr 2005) ISSN: 1386-6346 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 15792640 (Publication Type: Journal Article)