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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 21, 2014; 20(31): 10682-10690
Published online Aug 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i31.10682
Published online Aug 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i31.10682
Changes in nutritional status after liver transplantation
Michela Giusto, Barbara Lattanzi, Vincenza Di Gregorio, Valerio Giannelli, Cristina Lucidi, Manuela Merli, II Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
Author contributions: All of the authors contributed equally to the concept and design of the article and manuscript draft, and all authors approved the final revision.
Correspondence to: Manuela Merli, Professor, II Gastroenterologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Viale dell’Università 37, 00185 Roma, Italy. manuela.merli@uniroma1.it
Telephone: +39-6-49972001 Fax: +39-6-49972001
Received: October 31, 2013
Revised: March 25, 2014
Accepted: April 5, 2014
Published online: August 21, 2014
Revised: March 25, 2014
Accepted: April 5, 2014
Published online: August 21, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Malnutrition, evidenced by muscle and fat depletion, represents a negative prognostic factor for morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients. This factor applies when liver transplantation is indicated. Nutritional depletion, as shown in the general population undergoing major surgery, may influence the outcome and global resource utilisation of liver transplantation. Recently, attention has focused on changes in nutritional status after liver transplantation. While fat mass is easily regained, muscle wasting, when present, is difficult to revert during the first year. The benefits derived from interventional programmes, such as exercise and dietary counselling, must be carefully evaluated in these types of patients.