Nutrition in pediatric end-stage liver disease.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of this review is to outline recent studies relating to nutritional status and outcomes in pediatric end-stage liver disease.

Main findings: Pediatric patients with chronic and end-stage liver disease are at high risk of malnutrition. Given additional growth demands in children and the inherent complications of chronic liver disease, achieving adequate nutrition in these patients remains a challenge. In addition, while guidelines on nutrition in chronic liver disease exist, global approaches and definitions of malnutrition vary. Recent literature has focused on sarcopenia and nutrition-related transplant outcomes, with some studies exploring nutritional assessment and management. Pediatric studies however continue to lag adult research, with limited prospective and interventional studies.

Summary: Optimizing nutrition in pediatric end-stage liver disease remains a challenge, however understanding of the mechanisms and clinical manifestations of malnutrition in this population is improving. Despite these efforts, high quality studies to determine optimal nutrition strategies and interventions are lacking behind adult evidence and should be the focus of future research.