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Neurological complications post-liver transplantation: impact of nutritional status

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Abstract

Nutritional status is significantly altered in patients with end-stage liver disease (cirrhosis). Malnutrition is a common complication of cirrhosis and is known to be associated with a greater risk of post-operative complications and mortality, especially following liver transplantation. Neurological complications occur frequently after transplant and the nature and extent of these complications may relate to nutritional deficits such as protein-calorie malnutrition as well as vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies. A consensus document from the International Society on Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nitrogen metabolism (ISHEN) has been established in order to address these concerns. Careful assessment of nutritional status followed by prompt treatment of nutritional deficits has the potential to impact on transplant outcome and, in particular, on post-transplant neurological disorders in patients with cirrhosis.

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  1. Department of Nutrition, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada

    Chantal Bemeur

  2. CRCHUM, Hôpital Saint-Luc, Université de Montréal, 1058 St-Denis Street, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2X 3J4

    Chantal Bemeur

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Correspondence to Chantal Bemeur.

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This review is submitted for publication in the upcoming special issue on ISHEN Symposium 2012 that was held in Grenaa, Denmark.

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Bemeur, C. Neurological complications post-liver transplantation: impact of nutritional status. Metab Brain Dis 28, 293–300 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-012-9352-4

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