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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