Effect of Branched-chain Amino Acids (BCAA) to Muscle Cramps in Patients With Cirrhosis
Muscle Cramp, Cirrhosis, Quality of Life
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Muscle Cramp focused on measuring Muscle Cramp, cirrhosis
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Age ≥ 18 years Muscle cramp ≥ 1 time per week Confirmed cirrhotic status (radiologic finding compatible with cirrhosis or liver stiffness measurement ≥ 12.5 kPa by transient elastography method or pathological confirm of cirrhosis) Exclusion Criteria: Allergy to BCAA Overt hepatic encephalopathy Hepatorenal syndrome Severe renal insufficiency; eGFR < 30 Heart failure Peripheral arterial disease Active malignancies beyond hepatocellular carcinoma Heavy alcohol drinking (> 21g/day for men and >14g/day for women) Pregnancy or lactation Current use of BCAA within 3 months Recent adding or titrating diuretics within 4 weeks On current medications for muscle cramp relief such as vitamin E, taurine, carnitine, narcotic pain medications, baclofen, methocarbamol, other muscle relaxers, NSAIDs, or other antispastic agents.
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Placebo Comparator
BCAA group
Placebo group
12.45 grams of branched-chain amino acids orally per day before bedtime for 12 weeks.
12.45 grams of placebo (Maltodextrin) orally per day before bedtime for 12 weeks.