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Effects of Supplementation With Amino Essential Acids on Circulating Albumin Levels in Stroke in Rehabilitation Phase

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Stroke Rehabilitation
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: placebo
Dietary Supplement: Amino Essential Acid
Registration Number
NCT04459091
Lead Sponsor
Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA
Brief Summary

In addition to its physiological functions, serum albumin plays a role of neuroprotection in cerebrovascular stroke. The circulating levels of albumin may be reduced in patients with stroke due to the presence of a systemic inflammatory state and to the inadequacy of protein-energy intake. The circulating levels of albumin have proven to be predictors of functional recovery in ischemic stroke and cerebral hemorrhage.

In the present survey it is hypothesized that it is possible to significantly improve the values of hypoalbuminemia by supplementation with essential amino acids and that, in the second place, any increase in albumin may result in a strengthening of functional recovery in patients with a stroke.

Detailed Description

In addition to its physiological functions, serum albumin plays a role of neuroprotection in cerebrovascular stroke. The circulating levels of albumin may be reduced in patients with stroke due to the presence of a systemic inflammatory state and to the inadequacy of protein-energy intake. In the patients admitted to the Montescano Neuromotor Rehabilitation Division, the prevalence of hypoalbuminemia is high at the time of admission and remains high, even if decreased, at discharge. The circulating levels of albumin have proven to be predictors of functional recovery in ischemic stroke and cerebral hemorrhage. In the present survey it is hypothesized that it is possible to significantly improve the values of hypoalbuminemia by supplementation with essential amino acids and that, in the second place, any increase in albumin may result in a strengthening of functional recovery in patients with a stroke.

Several factors induce the use of free essential amino acids: they are the most efficient inducers of protein synthesis and albumin is a protein; free essential amino acids and not those contained in proteins allow a more reliable use of the isoleucine and tryptophan, true nutrients limiting the hepatic synthesis of albumin; the free essential amino acids have a faster and complete intestinal absorption of the essential amino acids derived from protein digestion.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
125
Inclusion Criteria
  • first episode of cerebral stroke
  • first taken in rehabilitation after hospitalization in the acute department
Exclusion Criteria
  • neoplasia
  • long-term corticosteroid therapy (> 3 weeks) in the pre-event period and at the time of admission to the rehabilitation department

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Placeboplaceboplacebo consisting in isocaloric product containing maltodextrins in two administrations for six weeks
Amino essential acidsAmino Essential Acidoral supplementation with a mixture of amino essential acids 8 gr die in two administrations for six weeks
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Serum Albumin Levelseight weeks

Number of patients who at discharge show levels of albuminemia\> 0.35 gr / dl (normal level)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Functional Independence Measureeight weeks

The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is an 18-item measurement tool that explores an individual's physical, psychological and social function. The tool is used to assess a patient's level of disability. Range total FIM score 18-126. High score corresponds to better outcome.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

ICS Maugeri IRCCS, U.O. di Rieducazione e Recupero Funzionale di Montescano

🇮🇹

Montescano, Pavia, Italy

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