Perioperative Use of Amino Acids in Recipients of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation as a Renal Protective Factor

Launched by HOSPITAL DR SOTERO DEL RIO · May 27, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether giving patients special amino acids before and after a liver transplant can help protect their kidneys. Liver transplants are often needed for serious liver problems, but sometimes patients can develop kidney issues afterward, which can make recovery harder. The researchers believe that using an amino acid solution, particularly one that contains L-arginine, might improve blood flow to the kidneys and reduce the chances of kidney failure during recovery.

To participate in this study, patients must be over 18 years old and scheduled for a liver transplant, with the expectation of staying in the ICU for at least 24 hours after the surgery. They should also have a recent kidney function test that shows their kidneys are functioning well before the transplant. Unfortunately, younger patients, those with severe kidney problems, or those who refuse to participate cannot join. If eligible, participants will receive either the amino acids or standard care, and researchers will monitor their kidney health during recovery. This study is important because it explores a low-cost treatment option that could significantly improve patient outcomes after liver transplants.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • All patients assigned to receive a liver transplant will be evaluated for eligibility.
• • Patients over 18 years old scheduled for a liver transplant will be considered eligible if it is expected that they will have an ICU stay of at least 24 hours in the immediate postoperative period, regardless of the cause of liver failure and whether it was stable liver failure or acute on chronic liver failure.
• • They must have a baseline measurement of serum creatinine that does not exceed 30 days prior to surgery or can be taken before the transplant surgery.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients under 18 years old will be excluded.
• • Patients with a need for chronic hemodialysis, patients with chronic kidney disease with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 30 ml per minute per 1.73 square meters of body surface area calculated by the Cockcroft-Gault equation.
• • Patients with acute renal failure requiring acute intermittent or continuous renal replacement therapy during the hospitalization for surgery.
• • Patients who refuse informed consent to participate in the study.