Usefulness of branched-chain amino acid for the treatment of muscle cramp in liver cirrhosis

Abstract

We examined the effectiveness of a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) granule preparation in relieving muscle cramp in 29 patients with liver cirrhosis. At baseline, muscle cramp was noted in 66% of the subjects (19 patients), and there was a significant inverse relationship between the frequency of muscle cramp development (times/week) and plasma taurine levels (p < 0.05). At the end of the treatment period, a significant decrease in frequency was observed in these subjects, together with a significant increase in plasma taurine levels (p < 0.01) and a decreasing trend in methionine levels (p < 0.1), suggesting the BCAA-induced activation of taurine synthesis. It can thus be concluded that BCAA granule preparations are effective both in improving nutritional condition and in relieving muscle cramp.