[Amino acid disturbances in liver failure]

We have attempted to trace the development of the concept which stresses that the encephalopathy often seen with hepatic failure may be the result of derangement in amino acid metabolism in patients with failing livers. We have also proposed that the infusion of solutions which may normalize these plasma amino acids and decrease the amount of toxic aromatic amino acids within the circulation may help in the amelioration of the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. We believe that in our studies to date, the use of this solution has been a significant advantage in the care of these extremely ill patients. We would hope that when the solution becomes generally available, the provision of such solutions to such patients will result in the salvage of some lives lost at the present time because of hepatic failure and encephalopathy.