Nutritional Management of Children with Liver Disease

Malnutrition is a very common problem in children with liver disease and is a multifactorial process. Strategies are focused on managing these complex challenges with the aims of preventing metabolic disturbances, correcting micronutrient abnormalities, optimizing nutritional status, promoting growth and development, as well as improving quality of life. All children presenting with liver disease should receive a thorough nutritional assessment, incorporating anthropometric measurements. Appropriate dietary intervention should subsequently be instigated as soon as possible, since good nutritional status leads to better outcomes. Given the potentially progressive course of chronic liver disease and the impact that a change in clinical status can have on the dietary prescription, ongoing monitoring of the patient is essential. At all times, the most suitable form of nutrition support appropriate to the clinical situation should be initiated, and the patient should be closely monitored in order to optimize diet therapy. A multidisciplinary approach to management is essential to ensure the best outcome.