Nutritional Management for Infants and Children Pre and Post-Liver Transplant

Abstract

Background: Infants and children undergoing liver transplant require ongoing nutritional evaluation throughout the pre and post-transplant period. The pathophysiologic causes of chronic liver disease and acute liver failure are varied, and each present different and unique nutritional challenges. Methods: A review of the literature and Seattle Children's established guidelines for nutritional management of pediatric liver transplant patients was conducted. Results: We present guidelines of care to optimize nutrition status of infants and children in the pre and post-transplant phases. Conclusion: While malnutrition is common in the child with liver failure, it is also treatable when approached with a multidisciplinary focus on identification of clinical symptoms.