Liver disease and malnutrition

The impact of sarcopenia on esophagectomy for cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Esophagectomy is the gold-standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer but has high morbimortality rates. Sarcopenia is a common comorbidity in cancer patients. The exact burden of sarcopenia in esophagectomy outcomes remains unclear. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to establish the impact of sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes of esophagectomy for cancer.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing sarcopenic with non-sarcopenic patients before esophagectomy for cancer (Registration number: CRD42021270332). An electronic search was conducted on Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and LILACS, alongside a manual search of the references. The inclusion criteria were cohorts, case series, and clinical trials; adult patients; studies evaluating patients with sarcopenia undergoing esophagectomy or gastroesophagectomy for cancer; and studies that analyze relevant outcomes. The exclusion criteria were letters, editorials, congress abstracts, case reports, reviews, cross-sectional studies, patients undergoing surgery for benign conditions, and animal studies. The meta-analysis was synthesized with forest plots.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 40 studies. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with increased postoperative complications (RD: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.14), severe complications (RD: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.19), and pneumonia (RD: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.18). Patients with sarcopenia had a lower probability of survival at a 3-year follow-up (RD: -0.16; 95% CI: -0.23 to -0.10).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative sarcopenia imposes a higher risk for overall complications and severe complications. Besides, patients with sarcopenia had a lower chance of long-term survival.

The Presence of Myosteatosis Is Associated with Age, Severity of Liver Disease and Poor Outcome and May Represent a Prodromal Phase of Sarcopenia in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Myosteatosis implies impaired muscle quality. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of myosteatosis with other muscle abnormalities and its role in the prognosis of liver cirrhosis (LC).

METHOD

Skeletal muscle index (SMI) and myosteatosis were measured by computed tomography. Myosteatosis was defined as muscle radiodensity and evaluated according to dry body mass index (BMI). Median values and interquartile range were used for continuous and count (percentage) for categorical variables.

RESULTS

A total of 197 consecutive patients were included (age 61 (IQR 52-68); 67% male; MELD score 11 (interquartile range 7.5-16)). Myosteatosis was identified in 73.6% and sarcopenia in 44.6% of patients. Myosteatosis was positively associated with age (p = 0.024) and Child-Pugh (p = 0.017) and inversely associated with SMI (p = 0.026). Patients with myosteatosis exhibited lower 360-day survival (log-rank p = 0.001) compared to those without it. MELD (p < 0.001) and myosteatosis (p = 0.048) emerged as negative prognostic factors of survival in multivariate model. Individuals combining low muscle strength and impaired muscle quality and quantity displayed more advanced LC, impaired muscle performance, lower BMI (p < 0.001 each) and a three times higher mortality rate compared to those with low muscle quality alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of myosteatosis was associated with advanced age, low skeletal mass and more severe LC. Myosteatosis was associated with poor prognosis and may represent a prodromal phase of muscle degeneration before the development of sarcopenia.

The use of phase angle in patients with digestive and liver diseases

Diseases of the liver and the digestive system can lead to malnutrition through an action of reduced food intake or nutrient use, inflammation and impaired metabolism, which result in substantial changes in body composition. Frequently, malnutrition manifests itself with weight loss and reduced muscle mass. However, weight loss and body mass index lack sensitivity to detect the loss of muscle mass and are not informative in distinguishing body water compartments and in characterizing their distribution. This issue is particularly relevant to these two disease models, which are frequently associated with fluid volume imbalances. Phase angle is a useful indicator for cell membrane integrity, water distribution between the intracellular and extracellular spaces and prediction of body cell mass as it is described by measured components of electrical impedance. Malnutrition, inflammation and oxidative stress impair electric tissue properties leading to lower values of PhA. In patients with inflammatory bowel and liver diseases, PhA was consistently found to be related to nutritional status and body composition, particularly the depletion of lean body mass and sarcopenia. It has been associated with prognosis, disease stage and severity and found to be helpful in monitoring fluid shifts and response to interventions.

Exploratory analysis of the associations between neonicotinoids and measures of adiposity among US adults: NHANES 2015-2016

BACKGROUND

Toxicology studies suggest that neonicotinoids may be associated with adiposity development via thyroid hormone disruption and increased oxidative stress. Prior epidemiological studies report mixed results for the association between neonicotinoids and adiposity measures.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between detectable concentrations of parent neonicotinoids (imidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin) and neonicotinoid metabolites (5-hydroxy-imidacloprid, N-desmethyl-acetamiprid) with adiposity measures among US adults, and whether sex modifies the associations for neonicotinoid metabolites with adiposity.

METHODS

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016 data was utilized to estimate covariate-adjusted associations between detectable neonicotinoids and fat mass index (FMI), lean mass index (LMI), waist circumference, body fat percentage, and body mass index (BMI) using multiple linear regression. We estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for overweight or obese status with detectable neonicotinoid concentrations using Poisson's modified regression. Sampling strategies were accounted for in the regression models.

RESULTS

Detectable levels of acetamiprid were associated with a decrease in FMI (β = -3.17 kg/m², 95% CI [-4.79, -1.54]), LMI (β = -3.17 kg/m², 95% CI [-5.17, -1.17]), body fat percentage (β = -4.41, 95% CI [-8.20, -0.62]), waist circumference (β = -9.80 cm, 95% CI [-19.08, -0.51]), and BMI (β = -3.88kg/m², 95% CI [-7.25, -0.51]) among adults. In contrast, detectable levels of 5-hydroxy-imidacloprid were associated with greater rates of being overweight/obese (IRR = 1.11, 95% CI [1.04, 1.18)) and increased LMI (β = 0.67 kg/m², 95% CI [0.04, 1.29]). Sex modified the association between N-desmethyl-acetamiprid and LMI (p_int = 0.075) with a positive association among males (β = 1.14 kg/m², 95% CI [0.38, 1.90]), and an insignificant inverse association in females. Sex also modified the association for N-desmethyl-acetamiprid with FMI (p_int = 0.095) and body fat percentage (p_int = 0.072), with suggestive evidence showing positive associations for males and inverse associations for females.

CONCLUSION

Detectable concentrations of acetamiprid were inversely associated with adiposity, while there were mixed findings for 5-hydroxy-imidacloprid. Findings suggest sex differences, though results are not clear with regard to the directionality of the association by sex.

Perioperative management of patients with liver disease for non-hepatic surgery: A systematic review

Background

Liver disease is a multisystem condition that is classified as acute or chronic depending on the length of time. Cirrhosis patients are expected to undergo surgery in the last two years of their lives, according to estimates. In patients with elevated liver enzyme levels, anesthesia and surgery may deteriorate liver function. Preoperative identification, optimization and anesthetic management are essential for optimum outcomes in patients with liver disease undergoing surgery.

Methods

The literatures are searched using medical search engines like Google scholar, PubMed, Cochrane library and HINARI to get access for current and update evidence on perioperative optimization of patients with liver disease. The key words for literature search were (liver disease OR liver failure) AND (liver disease OR perioperative management) AND (non-hepatic surgery OR anesthesia). After searching using these search engines then collected by filtering based on the level of significance to this guideline with proper appraisal and evaluation of study quality with different level of evidences.

Conclusions

and recommendations: Patients with liver disease presenting with non-hepatic surgery might have postoperative complications that can lead to death. Efforts should be expended to favorably alter a patient's preoperative Child's class before undertaking an elective operation.

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Liver disease is a multisystem condition that is classified as acute or chronic.

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Preoperative assessment and risk stratification are paramount for optimization.

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Nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided.

Clinical and biomarker assessment of frailty in liver transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Liver cirrhosis results in progressive decline, or frailty, which leads to poor outcomes and decreased survival. Multiple biomarkers and clinical assessment tools for quantifying frailty in liver transplant candidates exist, but a universal scoring protocol is lacking. Criteria vary between studies and correlation with patient outcome is not always clear. This review aims to summarize the pertinent biomarkers and assessment tools of frailty in cirrhosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

As cirrhosis progresses, the resultant 'frailty' is an inseparable independent predictor of pre and posttransplant mortality. Pro-inflammatory, neuroendocrine, and adipokine factors are dysregulated - leading to paradoxical anorexia and downregulation of orexigenic signals. The resulting catabolic utilization of amino and fatty acids leads to progressive malnutrition and sarcopenia. Both functional and imaging criteria define sarcopenia in cirrhotic patients, and degree of debilitation correlates with mortality. Liver-disease-specific frailty biomarkers and scoring tools are optimal to assess physical dysfunction in cirrhotics to promote early diagnosis and intervention.

SUMMARY

Liver cirrhosis and resulting frailty are progressive and portend a poor patient prognosis. A comprehensive, validated algorithm for detecting and quantifying frailty specific to liver disease would allow for standardization and facile application in the clinical setting. Early diagnosis is key for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Assessment of nutritional status of the cirrhotic patients on enteral and parenteral feeding

BACKGROUND

Cirrhosis is an irreversible disease that replaces healthy tissues with scar tissues. According to the Pakistan Medical Research Council's national general population survey (2008-2014), the ratio of cirrhosis was 4.8% among the population.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the nutritional status of cirrhotic patients on enteral and parenteral nutrition and to assess the degree of malnutrition among cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Shalamar and Shiekh Zayed Hospitals of Lahore from January-April 2017. The convenient sampling technique was used. Inclusion criteria were the patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, whereas compensated patients were excluded from the study. Data were collected through the patient's file, nurse's, and dietitian's notes. The nutritional status of participants was assessed based on socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, biochemical assessment, clinical signs, and dietary recall. Variables were categorized and compared to observe the level of significance in enteral and parenteral nutrition. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze data.

RESULTS

Patients on parenteral nutrition had a higher ratio of malnutrition with a significant Child-Pugh score-61.8% of patients belonged to Class C and 35.3% Class B, while in enteral support, 7.3% belonged to Class C and 43.9% patients belonged to Class B (p-value = 0.000). There was a definite relationship observed in the route of intake and malnutrition among cirrhotic patients.

CONCLUSION

Enteral route of nutrition is an effective and the safest way to provide appropriate nutrients according to the patient's demands.

Development and Evaluation of Nutrition Screening Tool in Patients with Hepatitis B-Related Cirrhosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim

Malnutrition is common in cirrhotic patients; however, there is no gold standard for nutritional assessment for this population. The aim of this study was to develop a novel nutritional screening tool based on objective indicators for cirrhotic patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. Patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis were recruited. Malnutrition was diagnosed by the presence of any of the following conditions: Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 score greater than 3 points, Subjective Global Assessment grade B or C, and body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m². Nomogram model and decision tree model were developed, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was compared.

Results

Among the 231 studied cases, 92 (39%) were malnourished. Malnourished patients had significantly lower serum albumin, BMI and hand grip strength levels, but higher serum creatinine level and Child-Pugh grade. Two models were developed based on these variables. The nomogram model had a sensitivity of 0.696, a specificity of 0.820 and an accuracy of 0.813. The AUROC of nomogram model was 0.813 (95% CI: 0.758-0.869, p <0.001). For the decision tree model, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy are 0.761, 0.885 and 0.886, respectively, with an AUROC of 0.886 (95% CI: 0842-0.930, p <0.001). The difference in AUROC between these two models was not statistically significant (p <0.001).

Conclusion

The nomogram model and decision tree model developed in this study may aid assessing nutritional status for cirrhotic patients with HBV.

Prospective study to evaluate the prognostic value of different nutritional assessment scores in liver surgery: NURIMAS Liver (DRKS00006340)

Background

Malnutrition is recognised as a preoperative risk factor for patients undergoing hepatic resection. It is important to identify malnourished patients and take preventive therapeutic action before surgery. However, there is no evidence regarding which existing nutritional assessment score (NAS) is best suited to predict outcomes of liver surgery.

Methods

All patients scheduled for elective liver resection at the surgical department of the University Hospital of Heidelberg and the Municipal Hospital of Karlsruhe were screened for eligibility. Twelve NASs were calculated before operation, and patients were categorised according to each score as being either at risk or not at risk for malnutrition. The association of malnutrition according to each score and occurrence of at least one major complication was the primary endpoint, which was achieved using a multivariate logistic regression analysis including established risk factors in liver surgery as covariates.

Results

The population consisted of 182 patients. The percentage of patients deemed malnourished by the NAS varied among the different scores, with the lowest being 2.20% (Mini Nutritional Assessment) and the highest 52.20% (Nutritional Risk Classification). Forty patients (22.0%) had a major complication. None of the scores were significantly associated with major complications.

Conclusions

None of the twelve investigated NAS defined a state of malnutrition that was independently associated with postoperative complications. Other means of measuring malnutrition in liver surgery should be investigated prospectively.

Alcohol use disorder and liver transplant: new perspectives and critical issues

Alcoholic liver disease is a consolidated indication for liver transplantation, but many unsolved issues can be highlighted. Patients with alcohol use disorder develop peculiar comorbidities that can become contraindications for transplantation. Moreover, a number of social and psychological patterns should be evaluated to select candidates with a low risk of alcohol relapse and adequate post-transplant adherence. In this context, the 6-month rule is too rigid to be widely applied. A short period of abstinence (1 to 3 months) is useful to estimate recovery of liver function and, possibly to avoid transplant. Cardiovascular disorders and extra-hepatic malignancies represent the main clinical issues after transplant. Patients transplanted due to alcoholic disease are a major risk for other liver diseases. Severe corticosteroid-resistant alcoholic acute hepatitis is a debated indication for transplant. However, available data indicate that well-selected patients have excellent post-transplant outcomes. Behavioral therapy, continued psychological support and a multidisciplinary team are essential to achieve and maintain complete alcohol abstinence during the transplant process. Alcoholic liver disease is an excellent indication for a liver transplant but patients with alcohol use disorder deserve a personalized approach and dedicated resources.

Assessing nutritional status in a cohort of liver cirrhosis outpatients: A prospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition impairs prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). There is limited research exploring the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with LC in an Australian population and in outpatient settings.

AIMS

One aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with LC in an outpatient liver clinic at a tertiary metropolitan hospital in Sydney, Australia, and explore other factors that may be associated with malnutrition. The second aim was to compare different versions of Subjective Global Assessment (SGA).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study evaluated the nutritional status of 42 prospectively recruited participants by SGA, SGA modified for liver disease (SGA-LD) and patient-generated SGA (PG-SGA). Anthropometric measures and handgrip strength (HGS) were also measured for comparison. Clinical and demographic data were compared with nutritional status.

RESULTS

SGA, SGA-LD and PG-SGA yielded the same prevalence of malnutrition of 40% with very good agreement (kappa value = 1.00). Malnourished patients had a lower median HGS% of normal than those who were well-nourished. Malnourished patients also had anthropometric measurements trending towards the lower percentiles of a healthy population. Nutritional status was significantly associated with ethnicity (p = 0.02) and PG-SGA score (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that nearly half of our study population were malnourished (40%). Thus, nutrition intervention in terms of nutrition support could improve patient outcomes. It appears that the standard SGA is suitable to assess nutritional status in patients in the early stages of LC compared to more time-consuming SGA versions.

The contribution of ascitic fluid to body weight in patients with liver cirrhosis, and its estimation using girth: a cross-sectional observational study

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.

Nutritional management of cirrhosis patients: A qualitative study exploring perceptions of patients and health workers in Ghana

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Malnutrition is common among patients with end stage liver disease including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Optimal nutrition is important to reduce morbidity and mortality of these patients. There is limited qualitative data on nutritional status and management of chronic liver disease patients. We aimed to explore the knowledge, opinions and practices of cirrhosis patients and health workers in nutritional management of cirrhosis in Ghana, in order to determine whether there is a need to improve nutritional care for cirrhosis patients.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of cirrhotic patients (n = 16) and healthcare providers (n = 27) in three academic centers in Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast (Ghana). Recruitment was by purposive sampling of patients attending specialist liver disease clinics. The recorded data were analyzed using NVivo 11 software, with generation of codes, themes and subthemes.

RESULTS

The major themes that emerged from the data included nutrition as part of care delivery during the hospital visit, nutritional recommendations, dietary changes and long-term practice improvement. The results showed that patients and health workers felt dietary recommendations for patients were frequently addressed, but could be significantly improved. We found that in the opinion of study participants, local guidelines are important and necessary in nutritional management of cirrhosis patients, and that participants felt it was difficult to change dietary habits following cirrhosis diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that nutritional management of cirrhosis patients in Ghana requires improvement. Strategies to improve this could include a multi-disciplinary approach to nutritional management, development of local guidelines and continued nutritional assessment, monitoring and follow-up.

Antidiabetic agents in patients with hepatic impairment

Chronic liver disease (CLD) often coexists with type 2 diabetes mellitus, making diabetes management a challenge to the clinician. It is well known that liver is the major site of drug metabolism, and, therefore, its impairment affects hepatic metabolism of many antidiabetic agents. Furthermore, patients with CLD have serious comorbidities such as impaired renal function, hypoalbuminemia, lactic acidosis, hypoglycemia and malnutrition, making their treatment even more difficult. On the other hand, most of the antidiabetic agents, with the exception of insulin, need dosage titration due to alterations to their pharmacokinetics in patients with CLD. For well-established antidiabetic treatments, like metformin and sulfonylureas there are studies regarding their dosage chance in these patients. However, despite the growing problem of management of diabetes in patients with CLD the existing literature data, especially on newer antidiabetic agents, are limited and, furthermore, no direct guidelines exist. Therefore, in the present review article we try to summarize the existing literature data regarding management of diabetes in patients with CLD.

Prognostic value of the third lumbar skeletal muscle mass index in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The objective nutritional assessment indicators, body mass index (BMI), upper arm muscle circumference (MAMC), and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), are often limited due to ascites. This study investigated the prognostic value of the third lumbar vertebrae skeletal muscle mass index (L3 SMI) in addition to the objective nutritional evaluation indicators (BMI, MAMC and TSF) in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, a total of 147 patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites were included. The L3 SMI, BMI, MAMC and TSF were detected in all patients. The severity of liver disease was assessed by the Model End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classification. These variables were compared between non-surviving and surviving patients who were classified according to 5-year mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 147 patients, 62 (42.2%) died and 85 (57.8%) survived within 5 years. The L3 SMI of patients was significantly lower than that of the normal control group (39.58 ± 7.18 cm²/m² vs. 53.73 ± 7.92 cm²/m,²p < 0.001). The L3 SMI (OR 4.02; 95% CI 2.17-9.63; p < 0.001), MELD score (OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.12-4.13; p < 0.001) and CTP class (OR 2.69; 95% CI 1.09-5.06; p < 0.001) were independent predictive indicators of 5-year mortality. Furthermore, the performance of the two variables (L3 SMI and MELD) together (AUROC: 0.812) was significantly better than that of MELD alone (AUROC: 0.787) for prediction of 5-year mortality (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Compared with MAMC, TSF and BMI, L3 SMI is an independent risk factor for 5-year mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. Further nutritional intervention studies are needed to confirm the impact of the L3 SMI index on clinical outcomes.

Nutrition in Alcoholic Liver Disease: An Update

Malnutrition is a change in body composition owing to disordered nutrition associated with a decrease in function and poor clinical outcomes. Malnutrition can result from overnutrition, undernutrition and inflammatory activity. Patients with alcoholic liver disease are at increased risk for malnutrition. In this article, we discuss the different methods used to assess malnutrition, prevalence of malnutrition, potential mechanisms underlying malnutrition, and its treatments in patients with alcoholic liver disease.

Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Propofol Target-Controlled Infusion Models in Chinese Patients with Hepatic Insufficiency

Background

Effects of liver dysfunction on target-controlled infusion (TCI) with Marsh parameters of propofol remain poorly documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of propofol TCI in a cohort of Chinese patients with severe hepatic insufficiency.

Material/Methods

We assigned 32 patients who underwent liver transplantation to 3 groups according to Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score. Anesthesia, preceding liver transplantation, was induced and maintained with TCI of 3 μg/mL propofol. Plasma propofol concentration was assessed. Propofol TCI system performance was analyzed in terms of error size, bias, and divergence. Data on plasma propofol concentrations were analyzed, and population pharmacokinetic parameters of propofol were fitted by NONMEM software.

Results

In the CTP C group, measured concentrations of propofol were much higher than those of predictive concentrations, with significantly higher overshoots compared to CTP A patients. Overall, TCI system performance was significantly lower in CTP C patients. Linear regression equations of Cm vs. Cp and a regression model of pharmacokinetics were obtained.

Conclusions

Propofol TCI device performance with Marsh parameters was clinically acceptable in CTP A patients but may not be suitable for patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Compromised nutritional status in patients with end-stage liver disease: Role of gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

Patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) have a compromised nutritional status because of the liver crucial role in regulating metabolic homeostasis and energy balance.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic review of literature based on extensive relevant articles published from 2001 to 2017 in English in PubMed database was performed by searching keywords such as liver disease, non-alcoholic liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, malnutrition, epigenetics, gut microbiota, and probiotics.

RESULTS

Liver transplantation would be one eligible therapy for ESLD patients, even if, the clinical outcome is negatively influenced by malnutrition and/or infections. The malnutrition is a condition of nutrient imbalance with a high incidence in ESLD patients. An accurate evaluation of nutritional status could be fundamental for reducing complications and prolonging the survival of ESLD patients including those undergoing liver transplantation. In addition, the interaction among nutrients, diet and genes via epigenetics has emerged as a potential target to reduce the morbidity and mortality in ESLD patients. The malnutrition induces changes in gut microbiota causing dysbiosis with a probable translocation of bacteria and/or pathogen-derived factors from the intestine to the liver. Gut microbiota contribute to the progression of chronic liver diseases as well as hepatocellular carcinoma. The administration of probiotics modulating gut microbiota could improve all chronic liver diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides an update on malnutrition status linked to epigenetics and the potential benefit of some probiotics on the management of ESLD patients. In support of this view and to reveal the constant and growing interest in this field, some clinical trials are reported.

Liver transplantation and alcoholic liver disease: History, controversies, and considerations

Alcohol consumption accounts for 3.8% of annual global mortality worldwide, and the majority of these deaths are due to alcoholic liver disease (ALD), mainly alcoholic cirrhosis. ALD is one of the most common indications for liver transplantation (LT). However, it remains a complicated topic on both medical and ethical grounds, as it is seen by many as a “self-inflicted disease”. One of the strongest ethical arguments against LT for ALD is the probability of relapse. However, ALD remains a common indication for LT worldwide. For a patient to be placed on an LT waiting list, 6 mo of abstinence must have been achieved for most LT centers. However, this “6-mo rule” is an arbitrary threshold and has never been shown to affect survival, sobriety, or other outcomes. Recent studies have shown similar survival rates among individuals who undergo LT for ALD and those who undergo LT for other chronic causes of end-stage liver disease. There are specific factors that should be addressed when evaluating LT patients with ALD because these patients commonly have a high prevalence of multisystem alcohol-related changes. Risk factors for relapse include the presence of anxiety or depressive disorders, short pre-LT duration of sobriety, and lack of social support. Identification of risk factors and strengthening of the social support system may decrease relapse among these patients. Family counseling for LT candidates is highly encouraged to prevent alcohol consumption relapse. Relapse has been associated with unique histopathological changes, graft damage, graft loss, and even decreased survival in some studies. Research has demonstrated the importance of a multidisciplinary evaluation of LT candidates. Complete abstinence should be attempted to overcome addiction issues and to allow spontaneous liver recovery. Abstinence is the cornerstone of ALD therapy. Psychotherapies, including 12-step facilitation therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and motivational enhancement therapy, help support abstinence. Nutritional therapy helps to reverse muscle wasting, weight loss, vitamin deficiencies, and trace element deficiencies associated with ALD. For muscular recovery, supervised physical activity has been shown to lead to a gain in muscle mass and improvement of functional activity. Early LT for acute alcoholic hepatitis has been the subject of recent clinical studies, with encouraging results in highly selected patients. The survival rates after LT for ALD are comparable to those of patients who underwent LT for other indications. Patients that undergo LT for ALD and survive over 5 years have a higher risk of cardiorespiratory disease, cerebrovascular events, and de novo malignancy.

Nomogram and Validity of a Model for Predicting Malnutrition in Patients on Liver Transplant Lists

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is associated with increased morbimortality in liver transplant patients, and it is important to identify factors related to nutritional status in these patients.

AIMS

Determine variables associated with malnutrition and create a nomogram in liver transplant candidates.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study (n = 110).

VARIABLES

demographic variables, imbalances due to the disease, transplant aetiology and analytical parameters. Physical examination was performed and degree of hepatic dysfunction calculated. Nutritional status was assessed: Controlling Nutritional Status, Spanish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition criteria, Nutritional Risk Index, Prognostic Nutritional Index or Onodera Index and The Subjective Global Assessment. Logistic regression analysis was performed. A predictive nomogram (discrimination and calibration analysis) was generated.

RESULTS

Malnourishment was defined according to at least 4 or more of the methods studied. Patients with ascites, encephalopathy and portal hypertension presented malnourishment more frequently. Malnutrition was associated with greater liver dysfunction and lower grip strength. Variables independently associated with malnourishment were encephalopathy and lower albumin values. A nomogram was created to predict malnourishment, with good discriminatory power and calibration.

CONCLUSIONS

A score was developed for evaluating malnutrition risk. This would provide a tool that makes it possible to quickly and easily identify the risk of malnutrition in liver transplant candidates.

Mortality from adverse drug reaction-related hospitalizations in south-west Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are an important cause of mortality during medical care. To our knowledge, no Ethiopian studies have reported on mortality due to ADRs in patients presenting to hospital from the community setting. The aim of this study was to determine the mortality rate attributable to ADRs in patients presenting to hospital, identify drugs implicated in the ADR-related deaths and identify factors contributing to ADR-related mortality at Jimma University Specialised Hospital (JUSH), south-west Ethiopia METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1001 patients aged ≥18 years consecutively admitted to medical wards from May 2015 to August 2016. ADR-related mortality was determined through detailed review of medical records, laboratory tests and patient interviews followed by causality assessment by the Naranjo algorithm and expert consensus.

RESULTS

Of 1001 patients, 15, 1.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80%-2.30%) died with an ADR. The primary suspected causes of death were drug-induced hepatotoxicity (7, 43.8%) followed by acute kidney injury (4, 25.0%). Isoniazid (6, 33.3%), pyrazinamide (3, 16.7%), efavirenz (2, 11.1%) and tenofovir (2, 11.1%) were commonly implicated drugs. The majority of ADRs (14, 93.8%) were preventable. Unadjusted bivariate comparisons suggested patients who died with ADRs were more likely to have pre-existing liver disease (40.0% vs 7.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.1%-57.8%), a history of ADRs (40% vs 1.4%; 95% CI: 13.8%-63.4%), a lower mean (±SD) body mass index (BMI, 17.6 ± 2.1 vs 20.0 ± 2.9 kg/m² ; 95% CI = 0.9-3.9), exposure to antitubercular (46.7% vs 18.9%; 95% CI: 2.3%-53.1%) and antiretroviral (40.0% vs 7.7%; 95% CI: 7.5%-57.2%) therapies, and a higher mean number of medications (7.1 ± 3.3 vs 3.8 ± 2.1; 95% CI: 2.2-4.4) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (3.9 ± 2.9 vs 1.6 ± 1.8; 95% CI: 1.4-3.2) than surviving patients without ADRs.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Fatal ADRs were common in patients presenting to hospital. The drugs implicated were mostly antitubercular and antiretroviral therapies, reflecting the high burden of HIV and tuberculosis in the study population. ADR-related deaths were significantly associated with poor nutritional status. The majority of ADR-related deaths were preventable, highlighting the need to develop a multidisciplinary approach to closely monitor patients who are prescribed antitubercular and antiretroviral therapies, particularly in patients with hepatic disease, a history of ADRs, who are malnourished and who are exposed to multiple medications.

Usefulness of Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) in Appetite Assessment in Elder Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Appetite has received little attention in health care and researches in liver cirrhosis. The Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ), a self-assessment nutritional screening tool, could be used to screen the risk of malnutrition and weight loss. Our objective was to assess the usefulness of SNAQ in appetite assessment in patients with liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

Seventy patients were enrolled. Appetite assessment was applied in the enrolled patients by completing SNAQ. Weight, hemoglobin, albumin, pro-albumin and Child-Pugh class were evaluated and recorded. The correlation between SNAQ score and these indexes was also evaluated. The most discriminating SNAQ value was calculated, which separated the participant at risk of weight loss.

RESULTS

In participants with SNAQ < 14, the BMI, hemoglobin, albumin and pro-albumin were significantly less than those in participants with SNAQ ≥ 14. The correlation between SNAQ and these indexes were also observed (hemoglobin: r = 0.334, p = 0.005; albumin: r = 0.384, p = 0.001; pro-albumin: r = 0.342, p = 0.004; BMI: r = 0.550, p = 0.000). The SNAQ scores reduced along with the increase of Child-Pugh class. An SNAQ score under 11.5 was the best clinical indicator of elder people at risk of weight loss.

CONCLUSIONS

SNAQ can be used to evaluate the appetite loss and predicting the weight loss in patients with liver cirrhosis. The SNAQ tool also can be used by clinicians and nurses to identify patients with a poor appetite who are at risk of weight loss.

Nutrition and the transplant candidate

Cirrhosis is the most common indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. Malnutrition is present in at least two-thirds of patients with cirrhosis awaiting LT. It negatively impacts survival, quality of life, and the ability to respond to stressors, such as infection and surgery. Muscle wasting or sarcopenia is the most objective feature of chronic protein malnutrition in cirrhosis, and this condition is associated with increased morbidity and mortality before and after LT. In addition to its objectivity, muscularity assessment with cross-sectional imaging studies is a useful marker of nutritional status in LT candidates, as sarcopenia reflects a chronic decline in the general physical condition, rather than acute severity of the liver disease. Despite the high prevalence and important prognostic role, malnutrition and sarcopenia are frequently overlooked because standards for nutritional assessment are lacking and challenges such as fluid retention and obesity are prevalent. In this review, current diagnostic methods to evaluate malnutrition, including muscle abnormalities in cirrhosis, are discussed and current knowledge regarding the incidence and clinical impact of malnutrition in cirrhosis and its impact after LT are presented. Existing and potential novel therapeutic strategies for malnutrition in cirrhosis are also discussed, emphasizing the treatment of muscle wasting in the LT candidate in an effort to improve survival while waiting for LT and to reduce morbidity and mortality after LT.Liver Transplantation 23 1451-1464 2017 AASLD.

Nutritional risk in major abdominal surgery: NURIMAS Liver (DRKS00010923) - protocol of a prospective observational trial to evaluate the prognostic value of different nutritional scores in hepatic surgery

Background

Malnutrition is commonly known as a risk factor in surgical procedures. The nutritional status seems particularly relevant to the clinical outcome of patients undergoing hepatic resection. Thus, identifying affected individuals and taking preventive therapeutic actions before surgery is an important task. However, there are only very few studies, that investigate which existing nutritional assessment score (NAS) is suited best to predict the postoperative outcome in liver surgery.

Objective

Nutritional Risk in Major Abdominal Surgery (NURIMAS) Liver is a prospective observational trial that analyses the predictive value of 12 different NAS for postoperative morbidity and mortality after liver resection.

Methods

After admission to the surgical department of the University Hospital in Heidelberg or the municipal hospital of Karlsruhe, all patients scheduled for elective liver resection will be screened for eligibility. Participants will fill in a questionnaire and undergo a physical examination in order to evaluate nutritional status according to Nutritional Risk Index, Nutritional Risk Screening Score, Subjective Global Assessment, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, Mini Nutritional Assessment, Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire, Imperial Nutritional Screening System, Imperial Nutritional Screening System II, Nutritional Risk Classification and the ESPEN malnutrition criteria. Postoperative morbidity and mortality will be tracked prospectively throughout the postoperative course. The association of malnutrition according to each score and occurrence of at least one major complication will be analysed using both chi-squared tests and a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Already established risk factors in liver surgery will be added as covariates.

Discussion

NURIMAS Liver is a bicentric, prospective observational trial. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive value of clinical nutritional assessment scores on postoperative morbidity and mortality after hepatic resection. This is necessary, as only a validated identification of malnourished patients at high risk for postoperative complications, enables targeted preventive action.

A Comprehensive Review of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Other Methods in the Assessment of Nutritional Status in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

It is assumed that approximately 24-66% of patients with liver cirrhosis develop malnutrition. Numerous pathological processes lead to serious disorders of nutritional status in this group of patients. Malnutrition in the course of liver cirrhosis is associated with increased morbidity, complications, and low quality of life. Under these conditions, detection of malnutrition is of crucial importance. This review explores the complex mechanisms that lead to malnutrition in the course of liver cirrhosis and focuses on methods used in the assessment of nutritional status in cirrhotic patients. Among others, the role of bioelectrical impedance is highlighted. This noninvasive tool is promising and quite an accurate method of estimating body composition.

Concordance among methods of nutritional assessment in patients included on the waiting list for liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to determine the extent of malnutrition in patients waiting for a liver transplant. The agreement among the methods of nutritional assessment and their diagnostic validity were evaluated.

METHODS

Patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation (n = 110) were studied. The variables were: body mass index, analytical parameters, liver disease etiology, and complications. Liver dysfunction was evaluated using the Child-Pugh Scale. Nutritional state was studied using the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT), the Spanish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (SENPE) criteria, the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI-O), and the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). Agreement was determined using the Kappa index. Area under receiver operator characteristic curves (AUCs), the Youden index (J), and likelihood ratios were computed.

RESULTS

Malnutrition varied depending on the method of evaluation. The highest value was detected using the CONUT (90.9%) and the lowest using the SGA (50.9%). The pairwise agreement among the methods ranged from K = 0.041 to K = 0.826, with an overall agreement of each criteria with the remaining methods between K = 0.093 and K = 0.364. PNI-O was the method with the highest overall agreement. Taking this level of agreement into account, we chose the PNI-O as a benchmark method of comparison. The highest positive likelihood ratio for the diagnosis of malnutrition was obtained from the Nutritional Risk Index (13.56).

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition prevalence is high and prevalence estimates vary according the method used, with low concordance among methods. PNI-O and NRI are the most consistent methods to identify malnutrition in these patients.

THE PANC 3 SCORE PREDICTING SEVERITY OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS

Background :

About 20% of cases of acute pancreatitis progress to a severe form, leading to high mortality rates. Several studies suggested methods to identify patients that will progress more severely. However, most studies present problems when used on daily practice.

Objective :

To assess the efficacy of the PANC 3 score to predict acute pancreatitis severity and its relation to clinical outcome.

Methods :

Acute pancreatitis patients were assessed as to sex, age, body mass index (BMI), etiology of pancreatitis, intensive care need, length of stay, length of stay in intensive care unit and mortality. The PANC 3 score was determined within the first 24 hours after diagnosis and compared to acute pancreatitis grade of the Revised Atlanta classification.

Results :

Out of 64 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, 58 met the inclusion criteria. The PANC 3 score was positive in five cases (8.6%), pancreatitis progressed to a severe form in 10 cases (17.2%) and five patients (8.6%) died. Patients with a positive score and severe pancreatitis required intensive care more often, and stayed for a longer period in intensive care units. The PANC 3 score showed sensitivity of 50%, specificity of 100%, accuracy of 91.4%, positive predictive value of 100% and negative predictive value of 90.6% in prediction of severe acute pancreatitis.

Conclusion :

The PANC 3 score is useful to assess acute pancreatitis because it is easy and quick to use, has high specificity, high accuracy and high predictive value in prediction of severe acute pancreatitis.

Consensus Statement on Dose Modifications of Antidiabetic Agents in Patients with Hepatic Impairment

Liver disease is an important cause of mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is estimated that diabetes is the most common cause of liver disease in the United States. Virtually, entire spectrum of liver disease is seen in T2DM including abnormal liver enzymes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and acute liver failure. The treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) in cirrhotic patients has particular challenges as follows: (1) about half the patients have malnutrition; (2) patients already have advanced liver disease when clinical DM is diagnosed; (3) most of the oral antidiabetic agents (ADAs) are metabolized in the liver; (4) patients often have episodes of hypoglycemia. The aim of this consensus group convened during the National Insulin Summit 2015, Puducherry, was to focus on the challenges with glycemic management, with particular emphasis to safety of ADAs across stages of liver dysfunction. Published literature, product labels, and major clinical guidelines were reviewed and summarized. The drug classes included are biguanides (metformin), the second- or third-generation sulfonylureas, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and currently available insulins. Consensus recommendations have been drafted for glycemic targets and dose modifications of all ADAs. These can aid clinicians in managing patients with diabetes and liver disease.

Malnutrition and Nutritional Support in Alcoholic Liver Disease: a Review

Malnutrition is associated with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and related complications such as hepatic encephalopathy and increased rate of infections. Avoidance of prolonged fasting and overly restrictive diets is important to avoid poor nutrition. Adequate intake of calories, protein, and micronutrients via frequent small meals and evening supplements and/or enteral and parenteral nutrition when indicated has been associated with reduced mortality and morbidity in patients with ALD. Modification of protein/fat sources and composition in addition to probiotic supplementation are promising interventions for decreased progression of ALD and its complications.

Nutrition Interventions for Chronic Liver Diseases and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The progressively increasing rates of obesity have led to a worldwide epidemic of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. It is currently the most common cause of liver disease worldwide and projected to be the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States by 2020. NAFLD is associated with both liver-related and overall mortality. Undoubtedly, nutrition interventions are key in the treatment of NAFLD, to reverse the disease, and prevent disease progression, complications, and associated comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Systematic review of peri-operative nutritional support for patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is prevalent among peri-operative patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery and is an important prognostic factor. Both hepatobiliary disease and surgical trauma significantly affects body's metabolism and environment. Therefore, it is very important for patients with liver diseases undergoing hepatobiliary surgery to receive essential nutritional support during peri-operative period.

METHODS

We summarized our clinical experience and reviewed of related literature to find the way for implementing the appropriate nutritional strategy.

RESULTS

We found after comprehensively evaluating nutrition status, function of liver and gastrointestinal tract, nutritional strategy would be selected correctly. In severe malnutrition, initiation of enteral nutrition (EN) and/or parenteral nutrition (PN) with essential or special formulae is often recommended. Especially nasojejunal feeding is indicated that early application can improve nutritional status and liver function, reduce complications and prolong survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The reasonable peri-operative nutritional support therapy can improve the effect of surgical treatment and promote the patients' recovery.

Diagnosis and treatment of nutritional deficiencies in alcoholic liver disease: Overview of available evidence and open issues

Malnutrition is common in alcoholic liver disease and is associated with high rates of complications and mortality. In this article, the current literature was reviewed to highlight the relevance of proper nutritional management providing levels of evidence, when available. A PubMed search was performed for English-language publications from 1980 through 2014 with the keywords: alcoholic liver disease, nutritional deficiencies, nutritional support, enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition, and protein-energy malnutrition. Manuscripts focused on nutritional approach in patients with alcoholic liver disease were selected. Although nutritional support for malnourished patients improves the outcome of hospitalization, surgery, transplantation and reduces the complications of liver disease and the length of hospital stay, specific guidelines are scanty. Both enteral and parenteral nutrition appear to improve nutritional parameters and liver function; however data on survival is often conflicting. As micronutrient depletion is common in alcoholic liver disease and each deficiency produces specific sequelae, all cirrhotic patients should be screened at baseline for deficiencies of micronutrient and supplemented as needed. In summary, protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient depletion are clinical concerns in alcoholic liver disease. Nutritional therapy, including enteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition and micronutrient supplementation should be part of the multidisciplinary management of these patients.

Validation of a Screening Tool to Identify Undernutrition in Ambulatory Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of chronic liver disease is increasing in the United States. Malnutrition is common as liver disease progresses. However, an accepted method to screen these patients for malnutrition is lacking. The 6-question undernutrition screening tool was developed for professionals without nutrition training to identify a decline in the nutrition status of patients with liver cirrhosis. A 3-phase validation study was completed to assess face, content, and clinical validity of the screening tool in ambulatory patients with liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

In phase I, face validity was determined by surveying 13 liver disease professionals. In phase II, content validity was assessed by surveying 12 registered dietitians who specialize in liver disease. In phase III, a cross-sectional investigation was completed to compare the agreement between the undernutrition screening tool and nutrition assessment by a registered dietitian (RD).

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients with a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis participated in phase III of the investigation. The RD assessment identified undernutrition in 82% of patients (95% CI, 60%-95%). The κ statistic indicated a fair agreement between the screening tool and RD assessment. Sensitivity and specificity of the tool were 72% and 75%, respectively, and positive predictive value was 93%.

CONCLUSIONS

Feedback from phase I, II, and III indicate that the undernutrition screening tool is simple, is easy to use, and measures the constructs that have the strongest link with undernutrition in liver disease. Additional minor adjustments to the screening tool and a multicenter investigation are indicated to confirm clinical effectiveness and cross-validity of the tool.

Update on malnutrition assessment in patients with liver cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is the terminal stage of chronic hepatitis, often accompanied by protein-caloric malnutrition (PCM). Many factors may be at play causing an individual with liver cirrhosis to develop malnutrition. Malnutrition is regarded as the important prognostic factor of cirrhosis and is the contraindication to liver transplantation. However, in clinical practice, physicians and nurses often do not detect the presence of malnutrition fully in the population with cirrhosis, nor do they realize its damaging consequences. As a consequence, malnutrition is often overlooked. Given all these, this review focuses on several aspects of nutritional assessment, on the basis of the latest research reports, aiming at having a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding concerning malnutrition in cirrhosis, as well as giving medical providers instructions to perform a clinical nutritional assessment more perfectly.

Assessment of nutritional status and health-related quality of life before and after liver transplantation

Background

Patients with chronic liver disease frequently suffer from malnutrition, together with a decline in their health-related quality of life.

This study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the nutritional status, complications of medical and surgical care, anxiety, health-related quality of life and dependence level on basic and instrumental activities of daily living in pre- and post-liver transplant patients.

Methods/Design

A prospective observational study with follow-up of patients on the waiting list for liver transplants who subsequently received a transplant at the University Hospital Complex in A Coruña during the period 2012–2014 (n = 110).

All the patients will be followed-up for a maximum of 6 months. For survivors, assessments will be re-evaluated at one, three and six months post- transplant.

Informed consent of the patient and ethical review board approval was obtained (Code: 2010/081 and 2010/082).

The following variables will be studied: socio-demographic data, reason for the transplant, comorbidity (Charlson Score), analytical parameters, time on transplant waiting list and post-transplant complications. A trained nurse will evaluate the following for each patient: nutritional indices, anthropometric variables and handgrip strength. Validated questionnaires will be used to determine the patients’ nutritional status (Subjective Global Assessment), anxiety (STAI questionnaire), Health-Related Quality of Life (LDQoL 1.0 questionnaire), dependence (Barthel Index and Lawton-Brody Scale), nursing diagnoses (NANDA) and post-transplant quality indicators.

Multiple linear/logistic regression models will be used to identify variables associated with the events of interest. Changes in nutritional status, quality of life and dependence over time will be analysed with linear mixed-effects regression models.

Actuarial survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox regression and competitive risk will be performed

Concordance between the different scores that assess nutritional status and interobserver agreement regarding nursing diagnoses will be studied using the statistical Kappa index and Bland Altman method.

Discussion

The risk of malnutrition can be considered as a possible prognostic factor in transplant outcomes, associated with anxiety, health-related quality of life and dependence.

For this reason we consider interesting to perform a prospective follow-up study of patients who require a transplant to survive, studying their nutritional status and health-related quality of life.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12876-015-0232-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.