Prevalence of undernutrition in 143 patients before liver transplantation. the Lausanne experience between 1997 and 2005
Guex, E.; Cheseaux, M.; Bertrand, P.C.; Piquet, M.A.; Bouvry, S.; Pilon, N.; Halkic, N.; Pascual, M.; Roulet, M.
Revue Medicale Suisse 4(152): 927-930
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1660-9379 PMID: 18578434 Document Number: 627496
The prevalence of undernutrition was prospectively studied in 143 patients before liver transplantation between 1997 and 2005. Nutritional assessment is a particularly tricky problem in cirrhosis and mid-arm muscle circumference is considered as the best reliable anthropometric tool. In this prospective study, prevalence rate is very high (61%) and undernutrition is more frequent in alcoholic cirrhotic patients. In conclusion, these patients should benefit from an early dietician intervention before liver transplantation.