Nutrition in Children Posttransplantation

Abstract

Nutrition support is a vitally important issue in the pre-transplantation period. Once a child has been assessed and placed on a list for transplantation the child must see a dietician to optimise the child’s nutritional status as this is vital to improve the outcome at surgery. Children with chronic liver disease who are candidates for transplantation have a better post transplant outcome and growth potential if their nutrition is optimized pre transplantation. Well monitored nutritional support post transplantation improves the long term quality of life by minimising the complications associated with transplantation. An interdisciplinary approach to nutritional care of a transplant recipient involving the expertise of paediatricians, surgeons, dieticians and nursing staff is essential to optimise the outcome of these patients.