Dietary Protein in the Genesis of Hepatic Coma

Abstract

IN the past decade the therapy of severe liver disease has been directed toward the provision of a high or adequate protein and caloric intake.^{1 , 2} A syndrome resembling impending hepatic coma has been observed to follow the administration of certain nitrogenous substances to some patients with severe cirrhosis of the liver.^{3 , 4} This has resulted in an increased awareness of the intolerance of patients to these materials, including dietary protein.This communication describes 3 additional patients with chronic alcoholism, cirrhosis of the liver and neurologic complications who manifested an intolerance to the administration of dietary protein and on whom the provision . . .