Protein tolerance to standard and high protein meals in patients with liver cirrhosis

To investigate the plasma amino acid response and tolerance to normal or high protein meals in patients with cirrhosis. METHODSThe plasma amino acid response to a 20 g mixed protein meal was compared in 8 biopsy-proven compensated cirrhotic patients and 6 healthy subjects. In addition the response to a high protein meal (1 g/kg body weight) was studied in 6 decompensated biopsy-proven cirrhotics in order to evaluate their protein tolerance and the likelihood of developing hepatic encephalopathy (HE) following a porto-caval shunt procedure. To test for covert HE, the “number connection test” (NCT) was done on all patients, and an electroencephalogram was recorded in patients considered to be at Child-Pugh C stage. RESULTSThe changes in plasma amino acids after a 20 g protein meal were similar in healthy subjects and in cirrhotics except for a significantly greater increase (P < 0.05) in isoleucine, leucine and tyrosine concentrations in the cirrhotics. The baseline branched chain amino acids/aromatic amino acids (BCAA/AAA) ratio was higher in the healthy persons and remained stable-but it decreased significantly after the meal in the cirrhotic group. After the high protein meal there was a marked increase in the levels of most amino acids, but only small changes occurred in the levels of taurine, citrulline, cysteine and histidine.The BCAA/AAA ratio was significantly higher 180 and 240 min after the meal. Slightly elevated basal plasma ammonia levels showed no particular pattern. Overt HE was not observed in any patients. CONCLUSIONPatients with stable liver disease tolerate natural mixed meals with a standard protein content. The response to a high protein meal in decompensated cirrhotics suggests accumulation of some amino acids but it did not precipitate HE. These results support current nutritional guidelines that recommend a protein intake of 1.2-1.5 g/kg body weight/day for patients with cirrhosis.

Treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome with a focus on transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

AIM:To evaluate long-term complications and survival in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) referred to a Danish transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) centre.METHODS:Twenty-one consecutive patients from 1997-2008 were retrospectively included [15 women and 6 men,median age 40 years (range 17-66 years)].Eighteen Danish patients came from the 1.8 million catchment population of Aarhus University Hospital and three patients were referred from Scandinavian hospitals.Management consisted of tests for underlying haematological,endocrinological,or hypercoagulative disorders parallel to initiation of specific treatment of BCS.RESULTS:BCS was mainly caused by thrombophilic (33%) or myeloproliferative (19%) disorders.Fortythree percents had symptoms for less than one week with ascites as the most prevalent finding.Fourteen (67%) were treated with TIPS and 7 (33%) were manageable with treatment of the underlying condition and diuretics.The median follow-up time for the TIPS-treated patients was 50 mo (range 15-117 mo),and none required subsequent liver transplantation.Ascites control was achieved in all TIPS patients with a marked reduction in the dose of diuretics.A total of 14 TIPS revisions were needed,mostly of uncovered stents.Two died during follow-up:One non-TIPS patient worsened after 6 mo and died in relation to transplantation,and one TIPS patient died 4 years after the TIPS-procedure,unrelated to BCS.CONCLUSION:In our BCS cohort TIPS-treated patients have near-complete survival,reduced need for diuretics and compared to historical data a reduced need for liver transplantation.