Sarcopenia and liver transplant: The relevance of too little muscle mass Journal Article

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Author: Kallwitz, E. R.
Article Title: Sarcopenia and liver transplant: The relevance of too little muscle mass
Abstract: Loss of muscle mass and function is a common occurrence in both patients with decompensated cirrhosis and those undergoing liver transplantation. Sarcopenia is associated with morbidity and mortality before and after liver transplantation. The ability of skeletal muscle mass to recover after transplant is questionable, and long term adverse events associated with persistent sarcopenia have not been well studied. Limited data is available examining mechanisms by which decreased muscle mass might develop. It is not clear which interventions might reduce the prevalence of sarcopenia and associated health burdens. However, measures to either decrease portal hypertension or improve nutrition appear to have benefit. Research on sarcopenia in the liver transplant setting is hampered by differing methodology to quantify muscle mass and varied thresholds determining the presence of sarcopenia. One area highlighted in this review is the heterogeneity used when defining sarcopenia. The health consequences, clinical course and potential pathophysiologic mechanisms of sarcopenia in the setting of cirrhosis and liver transplantation are further discussed.
Journal Title: World journal of gastroenterology
Volume: 21
Issue: 39
ISSN: 2219-2840; 1007-9327
Publisher: Unknown  
Journal Place: United States
Date Published: 2015
Start Page: 10982
End Page: 10993
Language: eng
DOI/URL:

10.3748/wjg.v21.i39.10982
Notes: LR: 20151026; JID: 100883448; OID: NLM: PMC4607898; OTO: NOTNLM; 2015/04/28 [received]; 2015/07/09 [revised]; 2015/09/13 [accepted]; ppublish
LUC Authors
  1. Eric Kallwitz
    10 Kallwitz
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