The effects of N-acetylcysteine on hepatic, hematologic, and renal parameters in cirrhotic patients: a randomized controlled trial

 The useful effects of N-acetylcysteine ​​(NAC) in preventing progression of liver injury and improving liver function were investigated. The aim of this study is evaluation of the effects of NAC in patients with early stages cirrhosis compensation.

 All patients referred to the gastrointestinal department of Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital during 1 year with known etiology of cirrhosis and Child-Pugh score A, B or C were enrolled. In the intervention group, patients received NAC tablets at a dose of 600 mg daily and the control group will use placebo.  Demographic data, blood tests, liver function tests (bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time, transaminases), kidney function tests (creatinine, urea and electrolytes), Child-Pugh score and MELD Score (baseline and end of 6 months) were recorded were compared between two groups.

 In the present study, 30 patients with mean age of 55.8 years were studied in the intervention group, 22 (73.3%) male and 8 (26.7%) females. In the control group, 30 patients with mean age 56.3 years were studied, of whom 13 (43.3%) were male and 17 (56.7%) were female. Hematologic variables and biochemical parameters were not significantly different before and after the intervention. In the intervention group, the hepatic variables under study decreased significantly after the intervention despite the control group. (P value = 0.01)

 N acetylcysteine ​​had a significant decreasing effect on renal function through serum urea, creatinine levels, liver enzymes, Child-Pugh score and MELD Score, but had no significant effect on hematological and biochemical parameters.