Anthropometric measures associated with sarcopenia in outpatients with liver cirrhosis.

Aim: The present study aimed to identify variables associated with sarcopenia in cirrhotic outpatients using clinical data, anthropometric measures and lab tests. In a single centre prospective study, 261 cirrhotic outpatients were followed on average for 2 years. The diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia were applied according to the current guidelines, combining muscle strength and appendicular muscle mass index.

Which of the branched-chain amino acids increases cerebral blood flow in hepatic encephalopathy? A double-blind randomized trial.

Branched-chain amino acids increase the brain perfusion of patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE), but the amino acid and the mechanisms involved are still unknown. This study compared brain perfusion and clinical improvement during leucine or isoleucine supplementation. After randomization, 27 subjects with cirrhosis and HE received leucine or isoleucine supplements for one year.