Oral Branched-chain Amino Acid Supplementation for Decompensated Cirrhotic Patients

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the nutritional parameters after 12-week supplementation of branched-chain amino acids in cirrhotic patients with ascites and serum albumin less than 3 g/dL.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Would thigh muscle thickness change after 12-week supplementation of branched-chain amino acids in cirrhotic patients with ascites and serum albumin less than 3 g/dL?
2. Would triceps skin fold thickness, mid-arm circumferences, mid-arm muscle circumferences, skeletal muscle mass, appendicular skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle index and fat mass change after 12-week supplementation of branched-chain amino acids in cirrhotic patients with ascites and serum albumin less than 3 g/dL?
3. Would handgrip strength change after 12-week supplementation of branched-chain amino acids in cirrhotic patients with ascites and serum albumin less than 3 g/dL?
4. Would serum albumin change after 12-week supplementation of branched-chain amino acids in cirrhotic patients with ascites and serum albumin less than 3 g/dL?
5. Would score for cirrhotic severity such as Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium Score (MELD-Na score) and Child Turcotte Pugh Score change after 12-week supplementation of branched-chain amino acids in cirrhotic patients with ascites and serum albumin less than 3 g/dL?

Participants will be asked to do following tasks:

1. Participants will be asked for basic information such as age, place of residence, and contact telephone number.
2. Participants will undergo measurements of weight, height, body mass index, skinfold thickness on the arms, circumference of the arms and legs, muscle mass, and body fat content using a body composition analyzer, both at the beginning and end of the research study.
3. Participants will perform grip strength measurements, at both the beginning and end of the research study.
4. Participants will undergo laboratory tests, including a complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, blood clotting factors, and blood mineral levels, with a total blood volume of approximately 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon), collected twice during the study (at the beginning and end).
5. Participants will be administered supplements containing branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) twice a day for a total of 12 weeks.
6. Participants will be appointed for follow-up during the study, totaling 2 appointments at weeks 4 and 12. Side effects related to medication will be asked.
7. Participants will undergo ultrasound measurements of the right thigh to assess thigh muscle thickness, both at the beginning and end of the research study.
8. Participants will will complete questionnaires to assess your overall quality of life twice, both at the beginning and end of the research study.

Conditions

• Decompensated Cirrhosis and Ascites

Interventions

DRUG

Branched-chain amino acid

Oral branched-chain amino acid is provided to the patients with a recommended daily intake of approximately 13.68 grams per day. Each sachet contains 6.84 grams of BCAA (valine 1.82 grams, leucine 3.29 grams, isoleucine 1.72 grams), total protein 17.08 grams, carbohydrates 25.48 grams, fat 5.66 grams, providing 221.2 kcal of energy. Each sachet weighs 52 grams and should be mixed with 150 ml of water. The recommended daily intake is 2 sachets, to be consumed after breakfast and dinner. The BCAA provided to the patients comes in pre-packaged silver sachets, with the manufacturing date and expiration date indicated.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Mahidol University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Phunchai Charatcharoenwitthaya, M.D. · Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

85 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-11-13

Primary Completion

2025-09-23

Completion

2025-12-31

Countries

• Thailand

Study Locations