title: Nutrition assessment and management of left ventricular assist device patients.
abstract: Nutrition evaluation and support is an integral component of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. Malnutrition in the LVAD patient contributes to a host of post-operative problems, such as infection and limited functional capacity, which compromise long-term outcomes. Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation of the LVAD patient should include a nutrition assessment and formalized plan to initiate and advance nutrition support while addressing the metabolic imbalances associated with heart failure. An interdisciplinary approach, including a nutrition support team, is desirable to manage these patients effectively. This article reviews essential aspects regarding nutrition management of these patients.
authors.affiliation: Nutrition & Metabolic Support Service, Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.
authors.forename: Kalman
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Holdy
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Dembitsky
authors.forename: Laura L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Eaton
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chillcott
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stahovich
authors.forename: Brad
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rasmusson
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pagani
mesh_terms: D002100:Cachexia / Q000150:complications; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000150:complications; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009752:Nutritional Status; D018529:Nutritional Support / Q000379:methods*; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D004573:Electrolytes; D018977:Micronutrients