Malnutrition in Biliary Atresia: Assessment, Management, and Outcomes

Liver Transpl. 2022 Mar;28(3):483-492. doi: 10.1002/lt.26339. Epub 2021 Nov 10.

Abstract

Children with biliary atresia (BA), particularly infants, are at high risk for malnutrition attributed to a multitude of factors, including poor oral intake and intolerance of enteral feeding, fat malabsorption, abnormal nutrient metabolism, and increased caloric demand. Malnutrition and sarcopenia negatively impact outcomes in BA, leading to higher pretransplant and posttransplant morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes factors contributing to nutritional deficiencies in BA and offers an organized approach to the assessment and management of malnutrition in this vulnerable population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biliary Atresia* / complications
  • Biliary Atresia* / diagnosis
  • Biliary Atresia* / surgery
  • Child
  • Enteral Nutrition
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Malnutrition* / complications
  • Malnutrition* / diagnosis
  • Nutritional Status
  • Sarcopenia*