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Body Composition Post Pediatric Liver Transplant: Implications and Assessment
Alissa D Perteet-Jackson1, Carrie P Earthman2, Catherine M Larson-Nath3
1Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.
Assessing body composition in pediatric liver transplant patients is crucial for nutrition therapy. Understanding these changes helps clinicians diagnose and manage malnutrition, improving growth and development outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Nutrition Science
- Transplant Medicine
Background:
- Liver disease negatively impacts children's growth and development.
- Malnutrition is common in pediatric liver disease patients due to metabolic dysfunction.
- Post-transplant outcomes can include rapid recovery or long-term issues like obesity and sarcopenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on pediatric liver transplant recipients' body composition.
- To discuss applicable body composition assessment methods for this population.
- To highlight the importance of body composition in nutrition status assessment.
Main Methods:
- A modified systematic literature search was conducted.
- Evidence on pediatric liver transplant and body composition was reviewed.
- Various body composition assessment technologies were discussed.
Main Results:
- Malnutrition is prevalent pre-transplant but not always diagnosed.
- Children often show improved weight and linear growth within a year post-transplant.
- Long-term outcomes may involve obesity and sarcopenia, necessitating monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Body composition assessment is underutilized in pediatric liver transplant patients.
- Understanding post-transplant body composition aids in diagnosing and treating malnutrition.
- Tailoring nutrition therapy based on body composition is essential for optimal patient care.
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