Nutritional integration in liver transplantation for 14 year old children in the 108 Military Central Hospital: A case report

Abstract

A 14 year old girl diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and esophageal varices underwent an assessment of her nutritional status using SGA, BAZ (Body Mass Index for age), and MUAC (Middle Upper Arm Circumference). Prior to transplantation, her SGA score was categorized as C, her BAZ was -1.63 standard deviations, and her MUAC measured 18.5cm. Patients receive specialized care tailored to the different stages of their condition following transplantation. In the early post-transplant period, nutritionists employ a combination of enteral and parenteral nutrition. By the end of the first week after surgery, the patient's total energy intake reached 1582.7 kcal, with a protein intake of 1.7g/kg, and her SGA score improved to B. Starting from Day 21, protein and energy intake increased to 2.4g/kg and 30kcal/kg/24h, respectively. Upon discharge, the patient exhibited enhanced nutritional status, with an SGA score of B, a BAZ of -1.56 standard deviations, and a MUAC measurement of 20.0cm. She also experienced a weight gain of 1.5kg within one month of leaving the hospital. Consequently, the implementation of a Nutritional Management Plan, structured around the distinct stages of liver transplantation, is of paramount importance, particularly for pediatric patients.