title: Enteral Nutrition in Chronic Liver Disease: Translating Evidence Into Practice.
abstract: Malnutrition is prevalent in individuals with chronic liver disease and occurs as a result of inadequate nutrient intake, altered metabolism, and malabsorption. Although limited data show benefits of enteral nutrition (EN) in this population, patients with chronic liver disease often have inadequate oral intake and are potential candidates for EN. The goals of the EN, type and severity of liver disease, and access for EN will influence the decision to initiate EN. This paper summarizes EN studies in patients with liver disease and provides practical tips regarding patient selection, EN access, and EN formula choices. Two case studies illustrate the principles and challenges of providing EN to patients with cirrhosis. The paper concludes with suggested parameters for an EN feeding protocol and recommendations for future research.
authors.affiliation: Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas jm.hasse@baylorhealth.edu.
authors.forename: Jeanette M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hasse
authors.affiliation: Mayo Clinic Rochester, Department of Dietetics, Rochester, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Sara R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: DiCecco
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D058625:End Stage Liver Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy*; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005526:Food, Formulated; D006801:Humans; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015596:Nutrition Assessment
keywords: end-stage liver disease; enteral nutrition; liver cirrhosis; liver diseases; malnutrition; nutrition therapy