[Selected aspects of nutritional support in patients after liver transplantation]

The majority of liver transplanted patients are severely malnourished that increases the incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality. The authors analysed the effects of nutritional support-total parenteral nutrition-in 11 adult orthotopic liver allograft recipients (9 women, 2 men) transplanted for chronic or acute liver failure in 1994-1997. 4.3-9.75 g of N/24h, 1200-1700 kcal in 1750-2750 ml, from 2-5th postoperative day was administered via central vein in all-in-one system for 4-46 days. Neither metabolic nor septic complications related to the nutrition were observed. The function of the transplanted liver was not impaired by the nutrition. One patient died in course of hepatic coma, 10 patients are alive and in good general condition (1-29 months). In conclusion, the total parenteral nutrition is safe, beneficial and thus recommended routine therapy in the treatment of the liver transplanted malnourished patients.