Readmission rates for patients with hepatic encephalopathy due to end stage liver disease are high. Hyperammonemia contributes significantly to encephalopathy and occurs because of impaired hepatic ureagenesis and increased skeletal muscle proteolysis. We propose a randomized, 6-month nutritional intervention in cirrhotic patients who have had at least 1 admission for hepatic encephalopathy within the last 6 months. We hypothesize that a combination of late evening and early morning protein supplement (Ensure Enlive) will decrease recurrent hepatic encephalopathy and consequent readmission rates by lowering skeletal muscle proteolysis and improved lean body mass.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
The subjects in the intervention group will receive two Ensure Enlive supplements per day for 180 days.
The subjects in the Standard of care group will continue to receive the standard clinical therapy.
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
RECRUITINGDetermine if decreasing nocturnal fasting by protein supplements will change readmission rates.
Change in number of readmissions
Time frame: Day 0 & Day 180
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