Study of the Benefit of Exercise and Aminoacid Supplements in Cirrhotic Patients

Study of the Benefit of Exercise and Aminoacid Supplements in Cirrhotic Patients

This is a pilot study including 20 cirrhotic patients that will be randomized to receive during 3 months leucine vs leucine plus a programme of physical exercise specially designed for cirrhotic patients. The hypothesis is that physical exercise in cirrhotic patients could increase muscle mass (and therefore glutamine synthetase activity leading to a higher blood ammonium clearance) and quality of life. Safety of physical exercise in cirrhotic patients will be strictly assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• compensated liver cirrhosis.

Exclusion Criteria:

• hepatocellular carcinoma,
• active alcoholism (less than 1 year),
• decompensated cirrhosis,
• variceal bleeding less than 3 months,
• contraindication for exercise.