J Korean Acad Nurs.  2019 Jun;49(3):340-348. 10.4040/jkan.2019.49.3.340.

Nutritional Status of Liver Transplantation Recipients and Factors Influencing Nutritional Status

• Hwang S
• Choi-Kwon

• KMID: 2451301
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2019.49.3.340

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status of liver transplantation (LT) recipients and explore certain factors that influence nutritional status, including dietary patterns and physical activities.
METHODS
This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. The subjects included 211 LT recipients at a medical center outpatient clinic located in Seoul, Korea. The nutritional status, dietary patterns, and physical activities of each subject were measured using the body mass index (BMI), Mini Dietary Assessment (MDA), and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
The percentages of living and deceased donor LTs were 81.0% and 19.0%, respectively. The mean BMIs pre- and post-LT were 23.88 and 23.16 kg/m2, respectively, and the average MDA score was 36.55. More than 60.0% of the subjects had a moderate or high level of physical activity. In multivariate analysis, a higher BMI before LT (β=.72, p<.001), a lower Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (β=−.18, p<.001), and being male (β=−.10, p=.024) contributed to better nutritional status post-LT. Patients within six months of LT were less engaged in muscle exercises than those post six months of LT (p=.020).
CONCLUSION
LT recipients in Korea have good nutritional status and a good level of physical activity. To improve recipients' post-LT nutritional status, the pre-LT nutritional status should be considered, particularly in those with a higher MELD score. In addition, physical activity including muscle-strengthening exercises should be encouraged from an earlier stage.

Keyword

Liver Transplantation; Transplant Recipients; Nutritional Status; Feeding Behavior; Exercise

MeSH Terms

Ambulatory Care Facilities
Body Mass Index
Exercise
Feeding Behavior
Humans
Korea
Linear Models
Liver Diseases
Liver Transplantation*
Liver*
Male
Motor Activity
Multivariate Analysis
Nutritional Status*
Seoul
Tissue Donors
Transplant Recipients

Figure

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  Figure 1. Flow diagram of patient's participants.

Reference

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