[Effect of parenteral amino acid administration on the brain function and the serum aminogram of patients with liver cirrhosis]

Abstract

10 patients with cirrhosis of the liver, 5 with hepatic encephalopathy, were treated by infusion therapy with an amino acid solution adapted to the metabolic conditions seen in hepatic insufficiency. In all cases the amino acid imbalance improved. In 11 episodes of hepatic coma, changes in the pattern of serum amino acids always were accompanied by a marked decrease of elevated ammonia levels and a restitution of clear consciousness. This clinical improvement developed rather rapidly and could be objectivated impressively by psychometric tests.