Clinical Trials Logo

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Recruiting

Administrative data

NCT number NCT06121479
Other study ID # SI 608/2023
Secondary ID
Status Recruiting
Phase Phase 3
First received
Last updated
Start date November 13, 2023
Est. completion date December 31, 2024

Study information

Verified date November 2023
Source Mahidol University
Contact WASIT WONGTRAKUL, M.D.
Phone +66822702898
Email WASIT.WONGTRAKUL@GMAIL.COM
Is FDA regulated No
Health authority
Study type Interventional

Clinical Trial 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.


Description:

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.


Recruitment information / eligibility

Status Recruiting
Enrollment 30
Est. completion date December 31, 2024
Est. primary completion date June 30, 2024
Accepts healthy volunteers No
Gender All
Age group 18 Years to 85 Years
Eligibility Inclusion Criteria: 1. Cirrhotic patients of all etiology with aged of 18-85 years 2. Clinically detectable ascites 3. Serum albumin < 3 g/dL Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma outside the Milan criteria. 2. Patients with history of gastrointestinal bleeding and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) within the last 3 months. 3. Patients with acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF). 4. Patients with uncontrollable chronic comorbidities, including chronic heart failure in NYHA stages 3-4, end stage kidney disease requiring dialysis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Gold D. 5 .Patients who have undergone liver or kidney transplant. 6. Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). 7. Pregnant or lactating patients. 8. Patients who have undergone large volume paracentesis (>5 liters) with intravenous albumin administration on the day of study enrollment. 9. Patients with a history of above-knee amputation surgery. 10. Patients with a history of receiving intravenous albumin administration every 1-2 weeks within the last one month.

Study Design


Related Conditions & MeSH terms


Intervention

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.

Locations

Country Name City State
Thailand Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok

Sponsors (1)

Lead Sponsor Collaborator
Mahidol University

Country where clinical trial is conducted

Thailand, 

References & Publications (12)

D'Amico G, Garcia-Tsao G, Pagliaro L. Natural history and prognostic indicators of survival in cirrhosis: a systematic review of 118 studies. J Hepatol. 2006 Jan;44(1):217-31. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2005.10.013. Epub 2005 Nov 9. No abstract available. — View Citation

European Association for the Study of the Liver. Electronic address: easloffice@easloffice.eu; European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on nutrition in chronic liver disease. J Hepatol. 2019 Jan;70(1):172-193. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.06.024. Epub 2018 Aug 23. — View Citation

Gluud LL, Dam G, Les I, Marchesini G, Borre M, Aagaard NK, Vilstrup H. Branched-chain amino acids for people with hepatic encephalopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 May 18;5(5):CD001939. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001939.pub4. — View Citation

Haj Ali S, Abu Sneineh A, Hasweh R. Nutritional assessment in patients with liver cirrhosis. World J Hepatol. 2022 Sep 27;14(9):1694-1703. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i9.1694. — View Citation

Hernandez-Conde M, Llop E, Gomez-Pimpollo L, Fernandez Carrillo C, Rodriguez L, Van Den Brule E, Perello C, Lopez-Gomez M, Abad J, Martinez-Porras JL, Fernandez-Puga N, Ferre C, Trapero M, Fraga E, Calleja JL. Adding Branched-Chain Amino Acids to an Enhan — View Citation

Liu YB, Chen MK. Epidemiology of liver cirrhosis and associated complications: Current knowledge and future directions. World J Gastroenterol. 2022 Nov 7;28(41):5910-5930. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i41.5910. — View Citation

Maharshi S, Sharma BC, Srivastava S. Malnutrition in cirrhosis increases morbidity and mortality. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015 Oct;30(10):1507-13. doi: 10.1111/jgh.12999. — View Citation

Siramolpiwat S, Limthanetkul N, Pornthisarn B, Vilaichone RK, Chonprasertsuk S, Bhanthumkomol P, Nunanan P, Issariyakulkarn N. Branched-chain amino acids supplementation improves liver frailty index in frail compensated cirrhotic patients: a randomized co — View Citation

Sirisunhirun P, Bandidniyamanon W, Jrerattakon Y, Muangsomboon K, Pramyothin P, Nimanong S, Tanwandee T, Charatcharoenwitthaya P, Chainuvati S, Chotiyaputta W. Effect of a 12-week home-based exercise training program on aerobic capacity, muscle mass, liver and spleen stiffness, and quality of life in cirrhotic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC Gastroenterol. 2022 Feb 14;22(1):66. doi: 10.1186/s12876-022-02147-7. — View Citation

Soeters PB, Fischer JE. Insulin, glucagon, aminoacid imbalance, and hepatic encephalopathy. Lancet. 1976 Oct 23;2(7991):880-2. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(76)90541-9. — View Citation

Tajiri K, Shimizu Y. Branched-chain amino acids in liver diseases. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018 Jul 30;3:47. doi: 10.21037/tgh.2018.07.06. eCollection 2018. — View Citation

Tandon P, Low G, Mourtzakis M, Zenith L, Myers RP, Abraldes JG, Shaheen AA, Qamar H, Mansoor N, Carbonneau M, Ismond K, Mann S, Alaboudy A, Ma M. A Model to Identify Sarcopenia in Patients With Cirrhosis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016 Oct;14(10):1473-1 — View Citation

* Note: There are 12 references in allClick here to view all references

Outcome

Type Measure Description Time frame Safety issue
Primary thigh muscle thickness by ultrasound Thigh muscle thickness (centimeters) by ultrasound of right thigh will be performed according to these instructions 1. Measure the thickness of the right thigh muscles, which are the rectus femoris and vastus intermedius, at a position one-third between the upper edge of the patella bone to the iliac crest, with the patient lying flat. In that position, measure the thigh muscle thickness using two methods: a. Compression reading: Measure the muscle thickness by pressing the probe head until it cannot be compressed further. b. Feather weight reading: Measure the muscle thickness without applying pressure to the probe head. Take the muscle thickness measurements twice for each method, calculate their averages. Increase in thigh muscle thickness implies better nutritional status. 12 weeks
Primary Average Feather Index The Average Feather Index (cm/m2) will be calculated by taking average of thigh muscle thickness (centimeter) measured by feather weight reading divided by height (m^2). Increase in average feather index implies better nutritional status. 12 weeks
Primary Average Compression Index The Average Compression Index (cm/m2) will be calculated by taking average of thigh muscle thickness (centimeter) measured by compression weight reading divided by height (m^2). Increase in average compression index implies better nutritional status. 12 weeks
Secondary triceps skin fold thickness Triceps skin fold thickness (TSF, millimeter) will be measured using Lange skin fold caliper at midpoint of non dominant arm. 12 weeks
Secondary mid-arm circumferences Mid-arm circumferences (MAC, centimeters) will be measured using standard measuring tape at midpoint of non dominant arm. Increase of mid-arm circumferences implies better nutritional status. 12 weeks
Secondary mid-arm muscle circumferences Mid-arm muscle circumferences (MAMC, centimeters) will be obtained from calculating the following formula: MAMC (cm) = MAC - (0.314 × TSF [mm]). Increase of mid-arm muscle circumferences implies better nutritional status. 12 weeks
Secondary skeletal muscle mass Skeletal muscle mass (kilograms) will be measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Increase of skeletal muscle mass implies better nutritional status. 12 weeks
Secondary appendicular skeletal muscle mass Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (kilograms) will be measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Increase of appendicular skeletal muscle mass implies better nutritional status. 12 weeks
Secondary skeletal muscle index Skeletal muscle index (kilograms/m^2) will be measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Increase of skeletal muscle index implies better nutritional status. 12 weeks
Secondary Fat mass Fat mass (kilograms) will be measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. 12 weeks
Secondary Handgrip strength Handgrip strength (kilograms) will be measured three times for each hand using digital handgrip strength dynamometer. Increase of handgrip strength implies better physical performance. 12 weeks
Secondary MELD Na Score MELD Na Score will be calculated at the start and end of study. Decrease of MELD Na Score implies improving of cirrhotic severity. 12 weeks
Secondary Child Turcotte Pugh Score Child Turcotte Pugh Score will be calculated at the start and end of study. Decrease of Child Turcotte Pugh Score implies improving of cirrhotic severity. 12 weeks
Secondary Serum albumin Serum albumin (gram/deciliter) will be measured at the start and end of study. Increase of serum albumin implies better nutritional status. 12 weeks
See also
  Status Clinical Trial Phase
Active, not recruiting NCT03451292 - Effects of Long-Term Administration of Human Albumin in Subjects With Decompensated Cirrhosis and Ascites Phase 3
Recruiting NCT05056220 - Personalized Long-term Human Albumin Treatment in Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis and Ascites Phase 3