Role of Nutrition and Feeding for the Chronically Ill Pediatric Liver Patient Awaiting Liver Transplant.

This article reviews the essential role of nutrition in optimizing care for pediatric patients with liver disease awaiting liver transplant. A review of growth and overall principles of feeding for pediatric patients, from infancy through childhood and into adolescence, is provided including the role of macro- and micronutrients, nutrient distribution, and nutrition supplementation. The importance of a thorough nutrition assessment is reviewed, including focus areas the nurse can address with patients and families such as diet histories, growth, and dietary modifications. Suggestions for monitoring and implementing nutrition strategies are provided.

Oral tocotrienols are transported to human tissues and delay the progression of the model for end-stage liver disease score in patients.

The natural vitamin E family is composed of 8 members equally divided into 2 classes: tocopherols (TCP) and tocotrienols (TE). A growing body of evidence suggests TE possess potent biological activity not shared by TCP. The primary objective of this work was to determine the concentrations of TE (200 mg mixed TE, b.i.d.) and TCP [200 mg α-TCP, b.i.d.)] in vital tissues and organs of adults receiving oral supplementation. Eighty participants were studied. Skin and blood vitamin E concentrations were determined from healthy participants following 12 wk of oral supplementation of TE or TCP. Vital organ vitamin E levels were determined by HPLC in adipose, brain, cardiac muscle, and liver of surgical patients following oral TE or TCP supplementation (mean duration, 20 wk; range, 1-96 wk). Oral supplementation of TE significantly increased the TE tissue concentrations in blood, skin, adipose, brain, cardiac muscle, and liver over time. α-TE was delivered to human brain at a concentration reported to be neuroprotective in experimental models of stroke. In prospective liver transplantation patients, oral TE lowered the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score in 50% of patients supplemented, whereas only 20% of TCP-supplemented patients demonstrated a reduction in MELD score. This work provides, to our knowledge, the first evidence demonstrating that orally supplemented TE are transported to vital organs of adult humans. The findings of this study, in the context of the current literature, lay the foundation for Phase II clinical trials testing the efficacy of TE against stroke and end-stage liver disease in humans.

[A prospective cohort study on the influence of high doses of herbs for clearing heat and resolving stasis on survival rates in patients with hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure].

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a severe clinical syndrome characterized by jaundice, coagulopathy, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy and with a high mortality rate of 65% to 93%. It involves significant ethical issues when a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study is conducted to such a serious disease. Therefore, a prospective cohort study design was utilized to explore a new treatment modality of applying integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and recent survival rates of high-dose herbs with the function of clearing heat and resolving stasis, named Qingre Huayu, in patients with hepatitis B-related ACLF with heat toxin stagnation syndrome. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: A matched, prospective cohort study was conducted. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited from the Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Patients were assigned to either an integrated medicine group or a Western medicine group according to their own preference and received either a regime of classic Western medical treatment (control group) or a regime of classic Western medical treatment plus Qingre Huayu herbs (treatment group). The regimes were conducted for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Survival rates of non-liver transplantation patients were evaluated after 12-week treatment. The levels of total bilirubin (TBiL), albumin (ALB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and prothrombin activity (PTA) were detected at baseline and weeks 4, 8 and 12. Scores of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome and complications were evaluated at baseline and study completion. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: All patients were followed up to the deadline for this study. There were 21 cases (31.8%) who died in the treatment group (n=66) and 19 cases (59.4%) in the control group (n=32). Significant difference (X(2)=6.775, P<0.01) was found in comparing the survival and death rates between the two groups by X(2) test. At 12 weeks, mean survival time of the two groups was 69.9 and 47.2 d respectively; cumulative survival rate of patients in the treatment group was higher than that of patients in the control group (P<0.01). Levels of TBiL, ALT, AST, ALB and PTA at weeks 4, 8 and 12 in the treatment group were superior to those in the control group with statistical significance (P<0.01 or P<0.05). In comparison of the TCM syndrome scores at week 12, the average score of the TCM syndrome of the treatment group (n=45) was 7.52±2.41, lower than 18.34±4.36 of the control group (n=13), and the difference was significant (t=8.784, P<0.01). Complication incidences after 12 weeks of treatment were statistically different between the treatment group (n=45) and the control group (n=13) by X(2) test (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Incidence rates of ascites, infection and hepatic encephalopathy accounted for 22.22%(10/45) and 69.23% (9/13), 8.89% (4/45) and 53.85% (7/13), and 11.11% (5/45) and 46.15% (6/13) in the two groups respectively. The incidence rates of adverse events in the treatment group and the control group were 0.00% and 12.50% respectively and the difference was statistically significant (X(2)=5.705, P<0.05). No drug-related adverse events were found in blood, urine and stool routine tests, renal function test and electrocardiography. CONCLUSION: High doses of Qingre Huayu herbs can significantly improve liver function and coagulation function, reduce complications, and reduce mortality in patients with hepatitis B-related ACLF.

The impact of nutrition on cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the most recent aspects of nutrition therapy of cirrhotic patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS: Undernutrition has been widely reported among these patients, despite the lack of consensus on the best nutritional assessment tools in this population. Nutrition therapy has been marked by controversy. Nonetheless, recent findings have pointed out to the important role of the nutrition status and of some specific nutrients on the outcome of these patients. SUMMARY: We report the latest findings on nutrition care of patients with end-stage liver disease on the waiting list for liver transplantation such as the impact of the nutritional status on outcome, probiotic and branched-chain amino acid supplementation, as well as the use of immunomodulating formula. Another important strategy that has been shown to improve these patients' nutritional care is the offering of nocturnal meals and micronutrient supplementation.

Oily fish, coffee and walnuts: Dietary treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are increasing worldwide in tandem with the metabolic syndrome, with the progressive form of disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) likely to become the most common cause of end stage liver disease in the not too distant future. Lifestyle modification and weight loss remain the main focus of management in NAFLD and NASH, however, there has been growing interest in the benefit of specific foods and dietary components on disease progression, with some foods showing protective properties. This article provides an overview of the foods that show the most promise and their potential benefits in NAFLD/NASH, specifically; oily fish/ fish oil, coffee, nuts, tea, red wine, avocado and olive oil. Furthermore, it summarises results from animal and human trials and highlights potential areas for future research.

Enteral Nutrition in Chronic Liver Disease: Translating Evidence Into Practice.

Malnutrition is prevalent in individuals with chronic liver disease and occurs as a result of inadequate nutrient intake, altered metabolism, and malabsorption. Although limited data show benefits of enteral nutrition (EN) in this population, patients with chronic liver disease often have inadequate oral intake and are potential candidates for EN. The goals of the EN, type and severity of liver disease, and access for EN will influence the decision to initiate EN. This paper summarizes EN studies in patients with liver disease and provides practical tips regarding patient selection, EN access, and EN formula choices. Two case studies illustrate the principles and challenges of providing EN to patients with cirrhosis. The paper concludes with suggested parameters for an EN feeding protocol and recommendations for future research.

Nutrition assessment and support in children with end-stage liver disease.

Malnutrition is a treatable complication in children with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Biliary atresia and other cholestatic disorders are the most frequent cause of ESLD in children. No single variable provides adequate information about nutrition status, yet effective nutrition support is the one intervention known to improve pre- and posttransplant outcomes. A proactive approach consisting of screening anthropometry interpreted using appropriate growth references, recognition of clinical manifestations associated with micronutrient deficiency, and timely aggressive nutrition support is of a paramount importance to maximize anabolism and optimize outcomes. This article presents the principles of nutrition assessment, intervention, and monitoring in children with ESLD.

Effect of a carbohydrate-containing late-evening snack on energy metabolism and fasting substrate utilization in adults with acute-on-chronic liver failure due to Hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the effects of a carbohydrate (CHO; lotus-root starch) predominant, late-evening snack (LES), containing 200 kcal (50 g CHO) on fasting resting energy expenditure (REE) and nutrient oxidation in hospitalized adults with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). SUBJECTS/METHODS: Adults with ACLF were randomized to receive daily LES (treatment; n=35) or standard care (n=35; non-supplemented control) for 14 days. REE and respiratory quotient (RQ) were measured by indirect calorimetry, nutrient oxidation (CHO, protein and fat), intake and biochemical parameters were measured in both groups at baseline and after 14 days using validated techniques. Disease severity was measured using the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD). RESULTS: No significant differences in macronutrient intake, anthropometric, demographic characteristics or MELD scores were observed between groups at baseline (P>0.05). Fasting RQ was significantly higher in the LES supplemented verses the control group after 2 weeks (P=0.02). CHO oxidation was significantly higher (P=0.001) and fat oxidation (P=0.02) was lower in the LES-supplemented group when compared with controls after 2 weeks. Fasting RQ and REE in the LES-supplemented group increased significantly (0.83 verses 0.88; P=0.007/1301±409 vs 1687±718 kcal/day; P=0.02) in patients with MELD scores 30 when compared with patients with MELD scores >30 (0.82 verses 0.84; P=0.27/ 1361±405 vs 1437±429 kcal/day; P=0.67) after supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: A carbohydrate-predominant LES is associated with increases in fasting carbohydrate oxidation, REE and reductions in fat oxidation in adults with ACLF. Therapeutic strategies utilizing LES may promote improved nutritional status in adults with ACLF.