Efficacy of high branched-chain amino acids in surgical patients with liver dysfunction requiring parenteral nutrition

Objective To confirm the safety and nutritional efficacy of high branched-chain amino acids through a pragmatic study allowing its use as an alternative to 15AA in patients with liver dysfunction. Methods The study was performed as a randomized, prospective trial. Eighty two patients with liver dysfunction undergoing operation were randomly assigned to receive high branchedchain amino acids or 15AA as part of their TPN regimens for 7 days. Daily parenteral intakes of energy nitrogen and lipid were equal in the two groups. Results Efficacy analysis showed that high branched-chain amino acids were as efficient as 15AA in avoiding protein catablosim. No serious adverse event was reported in the two groups. For hematology, renal, hepatic safety criteria and for the vital signs,no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups. No significant difference was observed concerning nitrogen balance and protein catablosim. For peripheral immunoglobulin and lymphocytes, a statistically significant difference was observed between the high branched-chain amino acids and the 15AA groups. Conclusion High branched-chain amino acids is new, safe and efficient amino acids for parenteral nutrition. Key words: High branched-chain amino acids; Liver dysfunction; Parenteral nutrition