DIETARY THERAPY IMPACT FOR CIRRHOTIC PATIENTS WITH HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY Adriana Teiuşanu 1, Mirela Ionescu 1, S. Gologan 1, Adriana Stoicescu 1, M. Andrei 1, T. Nicolaie 1, M. Diculescu 2 1) Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Digestive Endoscopy Clinic, Elias Emergency University Hospital 2) Gastroenterology and Hepatology Centre, Fundeni Clinical Institute Jurnalul de chirurgie (Iaşi). 2012; 8(4): 373-378 Full text: Format PDF (Engleză/English) Abstract: BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is prevalent in all forms of liver disease and it is associated with increased number of complications and increased short and long term mortality. AIM: to evaluate the level of serum ammonia, recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), improvement of mental status and of the nutritional status after one month of high protein high calorie (HPHC) diet the effect of a dietary therapy on cirrhotic patients with HE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was designed as a descriptive prospective analysis of patients with cirrhosis and a previous episode of HE, admitted in Gastroenterology Department of Elias Emergency Hospital, during one year (January 2010-January 2011). The diagnosis of cirrhosis was based on the medical history, physical examination, biochemical findings and imagistic methods. It was evaluated mental status, serum level of ammonia and nutritional parameters, before and after one month diet. RESULTS: A significant decrease in the blood ammonia levels was observed. A significant number of patients showed an improvement of their mental status assessed by West Haven scale after diet. A significant improvement of number connection test (NCT) scores was also noted. Body weight was slightly but significantly increased after a month of diet. Mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) increased after one month diet, but not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The HPHC diet has a beneficial effect on the patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy, more significant regarding the mental status, level of the serum ammonia and the body weight. It was noted an improvement of mid arm muscle circumference. Key words: hepatic encephalopathy, diet, malnutrition, liver cirrhosis. KEY WORDS: MALNUTRITION; HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY; SERUM AMMONIA; HIGH PROTEIN HIGH CALORIE DIET HOW TO CITE: Teiuşanu A, Ionescu M, Gologan S, Stoicescu A, Andrei M, Nicolaie T, Diculescu M [Dietary therapy impact for cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy] Jurnalul de chirurgie (Iaşi). 2012; 8(4): 373-378.
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