Acetyl-L-Carnitine In Severe Hepatic Encephalopathy
Overview
To assess the clinical efficacy of ALC in the treatment of severe hepatic encephalopathy (grade 3 of the West Haven grading scale), we performed a randomised, double blind placebo-controlled study administering ALC to cirrhotic patients, evaluating the effects on ammonia levels and performance in cognitive functions.
Study Type
- Study Type: Interventional
Interventions
- Drug: Acetyl-l-Carnitine
- 2g per day
- Drug: placebo
- twice per day
Arms, Groups and Cohorts
- Experimental: Acetyl-L-carnitine
- Placebo Comparator: placebo
Participating in This Clinical Trial
Inclusion Criteria
- patients with severe hepatic encephalopathy (grade 3 of the West Haven grading scale) with hepatic cirrhosis Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients with a history of recent alcohol abuse, patients using psychotropic drugs (e.g., antipsychotics, interferon, benzodiazepines, anti-epileptics, sedatives and antidepressants) – Other exclusion criteria were the following: major complications of portal hypertension, such as gastrointestinal blood loss, hepatorenal syndrome or bacterial peritonitis; acute superimposed liver injury;patients with metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, unbalanced heart failure and/or respiratory failure or end-stage renal disease; any additional precipitating factors such as high protein intake (additional high-protein meals), constipation; illiteracy.
Gender Eligibility: All
Minimum Age: 40 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years
Investigator Details
- Lead Sponsor
- University of Catania
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