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Elsabaawy M, Alhaddad O. Forgettable in the care of liver cirrhosis: the unseen culprits of progression from bad to worse. PRZEGLAD GASTROENTEROLOGICZNY 2024; 19:6-17. [PMID: 38571544 PMCID: PMC10985753 DOI: 10.5114/pg.2024.136361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Patients with liver cirrhosis constitute a critically ill and unique population, and their stability relies on a well-coordinated multidisciplinary team with a carefully structured plan. Overlooking any aspect of this plan can expedite disease progression, leading to severe complications. The lack of disease-specific nutritional guidance, the prevalent sedentary lifestyle among patients, and insufficient screening for hepatocellular carcinoma, oesophageal varices, sarcopaenia, minimal hepatic encephalopathy, and diabetes mellitus, along with fibrosis progression and cirrhosis decompensation, can add further complexities. Additionally, devaluing the impact of obesity in triggering liver cirrhosis can be disadvantageous. Prolonged and inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors also poses a significant challenge with a wide range of complications. These often-unheeded aspects in the care of liver cirrhosis patients represents the unseen culprits of progression from bad to worse and warrant serious consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Elsabaawy
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Omkosoum Alhaddad
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt
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Sonderup MW, Kamath PS, Awuku YA, Desalegn H, Gogela N, Katsidzira L, Tzeuton C, Bobat B, Kassianides C, Spearman CW. Managing cirrhosis with limited resources: perspectives from sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:170-184. [PMID: 38215781 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00279-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Cirrhosis represents the end stage of chronic liver disease. Sub-Saharan Africa, a resource-constrained region, has a high burden of chronic liver disease, with causes including chronic viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol use, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the risk of which is burgeoning. The development of liver cirrhosis predicts for morbidity and mortality, driven by both liver dysfunction and the consequences of portal hypertension. Compensated cirrhosis portends a better prognosis than decompensated cirrhosis, highlighting the need for the early diagnosis of cirrhosis and its causes. With resource challenges, the diagnosis and management of cirrhosis is demanding, but less costly and less invasive interventions with substantial benefits, ranging from simple blood tests to transient elastography, are feasible in such settings. Simple interventions are also available to manage the complex manifestations of decompensation, such as β blockers in variceal bleeding prophylaxis, salt restriction and appropriate diuretic use in ascites, and lactulose and generic rifaximin in hepatic encephalopathy. Ultimately, managing the underlying causative factors of liver disease is key in improving prognosis. Management demands expanded policy interventions to increase screening and treatment for hepatitis B and C and reduce alcohol use and the metabolic factors driving MASLD. Furthermore, the skills needed for more specialised interventions, such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedures and even liver transplantation, warrant planning, increased capacity, and support for regional centres of excellence. Such centres are already being developed in sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating what can be achieved with dedicated initiatives and individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Sonderup
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | | | - Yaw A Awuku
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Hailemichael Desalegn
- Department of Internal Medicine, St Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Neliswa Gogela
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leolin Katsidzira
- Internal Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Christian Tzeuton
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Douala, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Bilal Bobat
- Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand and Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Chris Kassianides
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C Wendy Spearman
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
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Zhang J, Ren Z, Zhang Q, Zhang R, Zhang C, Liu J. Lower hydration status increased diabetic retinopathy among middle-aged adults and older adults: Results from NHANES 2005-2008. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1023747. [PMID: 36388275 PMCID: PMC9643860 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1023747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetic patients. Retinal physiological function is affected by hydration status. We aimed to explore the association between hydration status and DR. Methods National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2008 was used to perform this cross-sectional study. Serum osmolality was used to assess hydration status for all participants and calculated osmolality was evaluated for only older people. DR and its severity were evaluated and graded into mild non-proliferative retinopathy, moderate/severe non-proliferative retinopathy, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy by the Early Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocol and NHANES Digital Grading Protocol. Fully adjusted multivariable logistic regression models were used by SAS OnDemand for Academics. Results Among the 5,220 United States adults aged 40 or older, compared with the lowest osmolality group, participants with the highest quartile of serum osmolarity had higher odds of DR (OR: 1.371, 95% CI: 1.001-1.876). For participants with DR, the adjusted OR (95 % CI) of moderate/severe non-proliferative retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy in the higher serum osmolarity group was 2.119 (1.200-3.741) and 7.001 (3.175-15.438), respectively. Furthermore, in older people, higher calculated osmolarity was significantly associated with increased occurrence of DR (OR: 2.039, 95% CI: 1.305-3.186). Conclusions Adults with lower hydration status had higher risk of DR, moderate/severe non-proliferative retinopathy, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Dehydration in older adults, classified by calculated osmolality, is associated with a higher rate of DR. There was consistent trend in the results between the two methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Zhang
- Department of Nutrition, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyang Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing, China,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Nutrition, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Nutrition, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunmei Zhang
- Department of Nutrition, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Chunmei Zhang
| | - Jufen Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing, China,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China,Jufen Liu
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Abstract
We sought to determine the incidence and outcomes of malnutrition in patients with cirrhosis. We performed a retrospective chart review of 134 patients listed for liver transplant (LT) to assess the presence and degree of malnutrition identified by the Subjective Global Assessment score at the time of initial transplant evaluation, follow-up nutrition visits, and at the time of transplant. Number of admissions/readmissions to the hospital, reason for hospitalization(s), and length of stay were determined. Malnutrition was prevalent at initial nutrition visit (51.9%) and underdiagnosed. By the time of transplant, 61% of the patients were identified as malnourished. Most patients (52%) were awaiting LT for more than 180 days. The change in Subjective Global Assessment score after the initial nutrition assessment was statistically significant (p ≤ .007), with worsening malnutrition severity. Seventy-one patients (53%) required hospitalization while awaiting transplant, with a median hospital stay of 9 days. Nutrition expertise is required for prompt and accurate diagnosis of malnutrition in patients with cirrhosis. Nurses caring for patients with advanced liver disease are in a prime position to provide guidance to optimize patient outcomes.
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Samji NS, Heda R, Satapathy SK. Peri-transplant management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in liver transplant candidates . Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 5:10. [PMID: 32190778 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2019.09.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly growing, affecting 25% of the world population. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most severe form of NAFLD and affects 1.5% to 6.5% of the world population. Its rising incidence will make end-stage liver disease (ESLD) due to NASH the number one indication for liver transplantation (LT) in the next 10 to 20 years, overtaking Hepatitis C. Patients with NASH also have a high prevalence of associated comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), which must be adequately managed during the peritransplant period for optimal post-transplant outcomes. The focus of this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the unique challenges these patients present in the peritransplant period, which comprises the pre-transplant, intraoperative, and immediate postoperative periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naga Swetha Samji
- Tennova Cleveland Hospital, 2305 Chambliss Ave NW, Cleveland, TN, USA
| | - Rajiv Heda
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sanjaya K Satapathy
- Division of Hepatology and Sandra Atlas Bass Center for Liver Diseases, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
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Lamarti E, Hickson M. The contribution of ascitic fluid to body weight in patients with liver cirrhosis, and its estimation using girth: a cross-sectional observational study. J Hum Nutr Diet 2019; 33:404-413. [PMID: 31775184 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a high prevalence of malnutrition among people with decompensated liver disease. Standard nutritional screening tools use weight and body mass index (BMI) to identify risk, although these are difficult to measure for those with ascites, often secondary to liver cirrhosis. Dietetic guidance suggests adjusting for ascitic weight by 2.2-14 kg, although there is a lack of evidence to substantiate these values. The present study aimed to measure the contribution of ascitic fluid weight and compare this with the current guidance, as well as to examine whether girth circumference can be used to estimate ascitic weight. METHODS A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted over 13 weeks. Participants attending for paracentesis were weighed, their girths measured, and BMI was calculated pre- and post-paracentesis. Fluid removed via paracentesis was recorded. Ethical approval was received (IRAS project ID: 218747). RESULTS Eighteen participants underwent paracentesis. The range of ascitic fluid drained was 3.8-19 L [mean (SD) = 8.7 (3.7) L]. Weight difference between pre- and post-paracentesis was in the range 4.5-20 kg [mean (SD) = 8.7 (3.9) kg]. Ascitic fluid weight is shown to be higher in each category (minimal, moderate, severe ascites) than the current guidance values. Weight difference was greater than 14 kg in 11% (n = 2) of participants. A strong, statistically significant relationship (rho = 0.68, P ≤ 0.01) between ascitic weight and pre-paracentesis girth was found. An equation was formulated to enable the estimation of ascitic fluid from pre-paracentesis girth. CONCLUSIONS Current dietetic guidance should be re-evaluated to reflect the greater weight differences identified. Measuring girth pre-paracentesis may help to inform dry weight estimation. Further research is required to verify the accuracy of estimating ascitic weight from pre-paracentesis girth.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Lamarti
- Therapy Department, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Truro, UK.,Institute of Health and Community, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - M Hickson
- Institute of Health and Community, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
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Hamed AE, Elsahar M, Elwan NM, El-Nakeep S, Naguib M, Soliman HH, Aboubakr AA, AbdelMaqsod A, Sedrak H, Assaad SN, Elwakil R, Esmat G, Salh S, Mostafa T, Mogawer S, Sadek SE, Saber MM, Ezelarab H, Mahmoud AA, Sultan S, El Kassas M, Kamal E, ElSayed NM, Moussa S. Managing diabetes and liver disease association: Practice guidelines from the Egyptian Association for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease (EASLGD). Arab J Gastroenterol 2019; 20:61-63. [PMID: 30852101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Abd Elkhalek Hamed
- The Egyptian Association for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease (EASLGD), Egypt; Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology, and Diabetes, Egyptian Military Medical Academy, Egypt.
| | - Medhat Elsahar
- The Egyptian Association for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease (EASLGD), Egypt; Police Medical Academy, Egypt
| | | | | | | | | | - Ashraf Ahmed Aboubakr
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology, and Diabetes, Egyptian Military Medical Academy, Egypt
| | | | | | | | - Reda Elwakil
- The Egyptian Association for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease (EASLGD), Egypt; Ain Shams University, Egypt
| | - Gamal Esmat
- The Egyptian Association for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease (EASLGD), Egypt; Kasr Al Aini, Egypt
| | - Samira Salh
- Department of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt
| | | | | | - Sameh Emil Sadek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology, and Diabetes, Egyptian Military Medical Academy, Egypt
| | - Maha M Saber
- Department of Clinical Nutrition National Research Centre, Egypt
| | - Hanan Ezelarab
- Department of Clinical Nutrition National Research Centre, Egypt
| | - Asem Ashraf Mahmoud
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology, and Diabetes, Egyptian Military Medical Academy, Egypt
| | | | | | - Ehab Kamal
- Medical Department, National Research Centre, Egypt
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Hamed AE, Elsahar M, Elwan NM, El-Nakeep S, Naguib M, Soliman HH, Ahmed Aboubakr A, AbdelMaqsod A, Sedrak H, Assaad SN, Elwakil R, Esmat G, Salh S, Mostafa T, Mogawer S, Sadek SE, Saber MM, Ezelarab H, Mahmoud AA, Sultan S, El Kassas M, Kamal E, ElSayed NM, Moussa S. Managing diabetes and liver disease association. Arab J Gastroenterol 2018; 19:166-179. [PMID: 30420265 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
There is strong association between liver diseases and diabetes (DM) which is higher than expected by a chance association of two very common disorders. It can be classified into three categories: Liver disease related to diabetes, hepatogenous diabetes (HD), and liver disease occurring coincidentally with DM. The criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes associating liver disease are the same for primary diabetes. Two hours post glucose load is a better screening test for HD. HbA1c may not be suitable for diagnosis or monitoring of diabetes associating advanced liver disease. Apart from the increased cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 DM (T2 DM) and NAFLD, the cardiovascular and retinopathy risk is low in HD. Patients with metabolic derangement should be screened for NAFLD which in turn may predict T2 DM development. Similarly, patients with established T2 DM should also be screened for NAFLD which further contributes to diabetes worsening. Diabetes is a significant risk factor for progression of the chronic liver disease. It is associated with poor patient survival. Treatment of diabetes associating liver disease appears beneficial. Metformin, if tolerated and not contraindicated, is recommended as a first-line therapy for patients with diabetes and chronic liver disease (CLD). If the hepatic disease is severe, insulin secretagogues should be avoided because of the increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Pioglitazone may be useful in patients with fatty liver disease. DPP-4 inhibitors showed effectiveness and safety for the treatment of T2 DM in CLD patients up to those with child B stage. GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors exhibit positive effects on weight and are associated with minimal risk of hypoglycaemia. Insulin must be used with caution, as hypoglycaemia may be a problem. Insulin analogues are preferred in the context of hypoglycaemia Statins can be used to treat dyslipidaemia in NAFLD, also the use of angiotensin II receptor antagonist for hypertension is safe and beneficial Given the clear association between diabetes mellitus and hepatocellular carcinoma, the strict control of glycaemia with insulin sensitizers can be essential in its prevention. The addition of DM to the currently used scores (Child-Pugh and MELD scores) may enhance the sensitivity and the specificity for prediction of morbidity and mortality rates in cirrhotic patients. In the new era of directly acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for HCV treatment, it is recommended to follow up lipid profile and blood sugar levels following SVR in order to adjust doses of medications used in diabetic (SVR is associated with reduction in insulin requirements) and dyslipidaemic patients (rebound increase in the lipid profile after clearing the virus may increase risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)). The issues of post liver transplant diabetes and relation between DM and chronic HBV are highlighted. This narrative review and Consensus-based practice guidance (under revision and criticism) are based on a formal review and analysis of the recently published world literature on the topic (Medline search up to September 2017); and the experience of the authors and independent reviewers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abd Elkhalek Hamed
- The Egyptian Association for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease (EASLGD), Egypt; Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology, and Diabetes, Egyptian Military Medical Academy, Egypt.
| | - Medhat Elsahar
- The Egyptian Association for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease (EASLGD), Egypt; Police Medical Academy, Egypt
| | | | | | | | | | - Ashraf Ahmed Aboubakr
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology, and Diabetes, Egyptian Military Medical Academy, Egypt
| | | | | | | | - Reda Elwakil
- The Egyptian Association for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease (EASLGD), Egypt; Ain Shams University, Egypt
| | - Gamal Esmat
- The Egyptian Association for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease (EASLGD), Egypt; Kasr Al Aini, Egypt
| | - Samira Salh
- Department of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt
| | | | | | - Sameh Emil Sadek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology, and Diabetes, Egyptian Military Medical Academy, Egypt
| | - Maha M Saber
- Department of Clinical Nutrition National Research Centre, Egypt
| | - Hanan Ezelarab
- Department of Clinical Nutrition National Research Centre, Egypt
| | - Asem Ashraf Mahmoud
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology, and Diabetes, Egyptian Military Medical Academy, Egypt
| | | | | | - Ehab Kamal
- Medical Department, National Research Centre, Egypt
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Vidot H, Cvejic E, Carey S, Strasser SI, McCaughan GW, Allman-Farinelli M, Shackel NA. Randomised clinical trial: oral taurine supplementation versus placebo reduces muscle cramps in patients with chronic liver disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 48:704-712. [PMID: 30136291 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Painful muscle cramps occur in the majority of patients with cirrhosis impacting significantly on quality of life and sleep patterns. They are frequently unrecognised or overlooked. Current management is based on anecdotal evidence or case study reports. AIM To investigate the effect of oral taurine supplementation on frequency, duration, and intensity of muscle cramps in patients with chronic liver disease. METHODS Patients with chronic liver disease who experienced three or more muscle cramps/week were enrolled in a double-blinded, randomised control, crossover, taurine dose-variable study. Each participant received either taurine supplementation or placebo for 4 weeks then crossed to the alternative arm. Primary outcome data for frequency, duration, and intensity of muscle cramps was recorded by participants. Participants recorded frequency, duration, and location of muscle cramps. Biochemical parameters, including serum taurine and methionine levels, were measured at each time point. Linear mixed models were used to analyse outcomes. RESULTS Forty-nine patients were enrolled in the study and 30 patients completed the protocol. Participants who were unable to complete the protocol were not included in the final analysis due to the absence of outcome data. The mean age of participants was 54.7 years and 70% were males. Oral taurine supplementation increased serum taurine levels (P < 0.001). There were no adverse side effects associated with taurine supplementation. Participants receiving 2 g taurine/d experienced a reduction in cramp frequency (seven cramps fewer/fortnight, P = 0.03), duration (89 minutes less/fortnight P = 0.03), and severity (1.4 units less on a Likert scale P < 0.004) compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS Oral supplementation with 2 g taurine/d results in a clinically significant reduction in the frequency, duration, and intensity of muscle cramps in patients with chronic liver disease. Taurine should be considered as a safe and effective intervention in the management of muscle cramps in individuals with chronic liver disease. This study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register: ACTRN12612000289819.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Vidot
- Department Nutrition & Dietetics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Liver Injury and Cancer, Centenary Research Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Erin Cvejic
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharon Carey
- Department Nutrition & Dietetics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone Irene Strasser
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,A.W. Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffrey William McCaughan
- Liver Injury and Cancer, Centenary Research Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,A.W. Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Margaret Allman-Farinelli
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Chaney AJ, Heckman MG. The Benefit of Supplemental Nutrition Education for Severely Malnourished Patients Awaiting Liver Transplant. Prog Transplant 2018; 28:390-393. [PMID: 30244656 DOI: 10.1177/1526924818800052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nutritional interventions improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality in patients with cirrhosis by reducing infection risk, ascites, length of stay in hospital and intensive care unit, and mortality. Follow-up phone calls have been found to be useful in improving patient adherence to therapy. PROBLEM The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine whether supplemental nutrition education would improve nutrition and outcomes among patients with cirrhosis who are undergoing a liver transplant evaluation. In addition, we sought to measure patient adherence with nutritional recommendations and whether patients perceived this additional education improved their nutrition status. METHODS The Plan-Do-Study-Ask methodology was used. PROCESSES Addressed 8 patients were enrolled to participate in the supplemental nutrition education, after which they received 3 follow-up phone calls. A retrospective review of data from 10 patients meeting project inclusion criteria were identified by the nutrition specialist and were used as a comparison group. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; comparing data from before and after implementation of the supplemental nutrition education was done. OUTCOMES At the end of the 8-week project period, 4 (66.7%) patients reported weight loss since the time of enrollment (nutrition education class), and the median patient-generated subjective global assessment score increased by 4 points, rather than decreasing as expected. However, all patients reported they believed the phone calls improved their nutrition status. IMPLICATIONS With a multidisciplinary approach, this additional patient education may improve patient care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Chaney
- 1 Department of Transplant Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Michael G Heckman
- 2 Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics. Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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