Analysis of protein-calorie adequacy of nutrition therapy in pediatric patients postoperative in liver transplantation

Abstract

Purpose: Analysis the proper relationship of the protein-caloric intake provided by nutritional therapy instituted to pediatric patients in the postoperative period of liver transplantation. Methods: A cross-sectional study with children and adolescents in the perioperative period of liver transplantation. The classification of nutritional status was determined according to WHO (2007) and Frisancho (2008) standards. The dietary protein-caloric intake, route of administration and consistency of diet were recorded during the first five days after reintroduction of nutritional therapy in the postoperative period, and compared to that recommended for sex and age, according to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). Results: Out of a sample of 31 patients, with a median age of 18 months, 61.5% presented malnutrition, using the arm circumference classification parameter. biliary atresia and hepatitis were the most frequent diagnoses for liver transplantation. Out of all the patients, 35.7% (n = 10) reached values equal to or above 100% of caloric adequacy, 75% (n = 21) of protein adequacy on the fifth postoperative day of diet reintroduction (DPO5). Conclusion: Protein-caloric inadequacy during the first five postoperative days was frequent and could be attributed to clinical conditions, diet suspension and compromised nutritional status, which may have made it difficult for the sample to reach its nutritional needs. Contributing to a greater impairment of the nutritional status of the transplanted patient, which is often already compromised, as observed in this study.