title: Factors Associated With Changes in Body Composition Shortly After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: The Potential Influence of Immunosuppressive Agents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aimed to determine factors associated with body composition changes shortly after liver transplantation (LTx), including the influence of immunosuppressive agents. The combined resting energy expenditure (REE) and handgrip strength provided a valuable assessment in data interpretation of body composition.
  
  
  METHODS
  This observational single-center study included a cohort of consecutive end-stage liver disease patients with indications for LTx over 2 years. Cyclosporine was preferred for diabetic, hepatitis C-infected, and human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients per the transplant center protocol. Subjective Global Assessment, handgrip strength, multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, and REE measurements were collected. The assessments were performed before LTx (T0) and at medians of 9 (T1) and 36 (T2) days after LTx. The fat mass index (FMI) and lean mass index (LMI) were surrogates of adiposity and skeletal muscle, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-six patients with a mean age of 53.7 (8.5) years were included; 87.5% were men. Preoperative Subjective Global Assessment undernourishment (β-estimate = 17.9; P = 0.004) and of drug addiction absence (β estimate = 14.6; P = 0.049) were associated with FMI increase. Higher REE at T1 (per 100 kcal) was associated with LMI increase (β estimate = 1.70; P = 0.012) and body cell mass increase (β estimate = 1.60; P = 0.049). The cyclosporine-based regimen was associated with FMI decrease (β estimate = -25.64; P < 0.001) and LMI increase (β estimate = 23.76; P < 0.001) when compared with a tacrolimus-based regimen. Steroids did not affect body composition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The cyclosporine-based regimen was independently associated with decreased adiposity and increased skeletal muscle compared with the tacrolimus-based regimen. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
authors.affiliation: 1 Dietetics and Nutrition Unit, Hospital Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Portugal.2 Research Unit of Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Portugal.3 NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal.4 Transplant Center, Hospital Curry Cabral, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Portugal.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brito-Costa
authors.forename: Luís
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pereira-da-Silva
authors.forename: Ana Luísa
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Papoila
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.forename: Élia
authors.initials: É
authors.lastname: Mateus
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nolasco
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Barroso
mesh_terms: D050154:Adiposity / Q000187:drug effects*; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011174:Portugal; D012307:Risk Factors; D013256:Steroids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013256:Steroids; D016572:Cyclosporine; D016559:Tacrolimus