Caffeine supplement, inflammation, and hepatic function in cirrhotic patients: A randomized, placebo- controlled, clinical trial.

Abstract

Aim: We investigated the possibility of caffeine supplementation for managing the inflammation, and hepatic function in cirrhotic patients.Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, fifty patients with cirrhosis were randomly assigned to receive either caffeine supplement (400 mg), or placebo for eight weeks.Results: The results indicated a significant decrease in AST, platelets (P = 0.002), and PTT (P < 0.001), in the caffeine group compared to the placebo group. Also, caffeine supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in inflammatory biomarkers compared to placebo (p < 0.05). A significant improvement in liver indices including AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), (P < 0.001). Fibrosis 4 score (P < 0.001), and MELD score (P = 0.034)., was observed after 8 weeks caffeine supplementation.Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that daily supplementation of 400 mg caffeine in cirrhotic patients can significantly improve liver fibrosis and reduce inflammatory factors.The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Registration ID: IRCT20100524004010N34).