[A new therapeutic principle in hepatic coma: parenteral supply of neutral amino acids]

The effect of two different amino acid solutions given i.v. was investigated in dogs with hepatic encephalopathy after portacaval shunt. The results suggest that (a) isocaloric protein-free nutrition has no impact on the characteristic plasma amino-gram, (b) the infusion of modified concentrations of 6 neutral amino acids may reduce mortality and morbidity in dogs with hepatic coma, and (c) manipulation and normalization of plasma amino acids may be efficacious in providing adequate nutrition while minimizing hepatic encephalopathy.