title: Nutritional therapy and liver disease.
abstract: In terms of a general approach to these patients, the initial and most important step for the clinician is to have recognition and concern for the magnitude of malnutrition in patients with chronic liver disease. It is best to assume an inadequate diet and to have trained personnel review the individual's nutritional needs and design specific dietary regimens that supply sufficient energy and protein, perhaps in the form of frequent interval feedings. The currently available data support the use of specialized formulations only in selected patients with hepatic encephalopathy who are intolerant of an amount of protein sufficient to meet their nutritional requirements.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology Unit, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital, Ohio.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: McCullough
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Mullen
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Smanik
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tabbaa
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Szauter
mesh_terms: D000597:Amino Acids, Branched-Chain / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D009751:Nutritional Requirements
chemical_list: D000597:Amino Acids, Branched-Chain; D004044:Dietary Proteins