RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar rótulos de alimentos direcionados ao público infantil e identificar a presença concomitante de alegações e de altos teores de nutrientes críticos e/ou presença de adoçantes. Como objetivo secundário, listar os diferentes tipos de alegações e verificar quais estratégias de marketing são mais utilizadas. Métodos: Foram coletados 409 produtos provenientes das oito categorias de alimentos mais populares entre crianças brasileiras (bebidas à base de frutas, bebidas lácteas, biscoitos recheados, bolos, cereais matinais, gelatinas, salgadinhos de milho e iogurtes). Foram calculados os teores de nutrientes críticos (açúcares, gorduras totais, saturadas e trans e sódio) e presença/ausência de adoçante, considerando-se os parâmetros da Organização Pan-Americana de Saúde (OPAS). Em seguida, verificamos a presença e os tipos de alegações nesses produtos. Resultados: No total, 265 (64,7%) rótulos apresentaram alegações. Em três das oito categorias (cereais matinais, bebidas lácteas e iogurtes), todos os produtos com alegações (50, 34 e 34 produtos, respectivamente) continham um ou mais nutrientes em concentrações prejudiciais (nutrientes críticos acima do preconizado pela OPAS e/ou presença de edulcorantes). Nas demais categorias, apenas um produto (de 63 biscoitos recheados e 26 cereais matinais com alegação) e três (de 22 bolos e 28 gelatinas com alegação) não apresentavam nutrientes em concentração crítica. A presença de alegações, como “rico” ou “fonte” de micronutriente, foi predominante em sete dos oito grupos de alimentos. Conclusões: Observou-se alta presença de alegações, de diferentes tipos, em alimentos destinados a crianças, que, em sua maioria, também possuem excesso de pelo menos um nutriente crítico, de acordo com a OPAS.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate food labels targeted at children and identify the concomitant presence of claims and high levels of critical nutrients and/or the presence of sweeteners. As a secondary objective, it aimed to list different types of claims and check which marketing strategies are most used. Methods: We collected 409 products, from 8 popular food groups targeted at children, in Brazilian market (i.e., fruit drinks, dairy drinks, sandwich cookies, cakes, breakfast cereals, jellies, corn snacks, and yogurts). The contents of critical nutrients (e.g., sugar, total fat, saturated fat, and trans-fat, and sodium) and presence/absence of sweetener were calculated, considering Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) parameters. Then, we verified the presence and types of claims in these products. Results: Overall, 265 (64.7%) labels presented claims. In three of the eight categories (i.e., breakfast cereals, dairy drinks, and yogurt), all products with claims (50, 34, and 34 products, respectively) had one or more nutrients in harmful concentrations (critical nutrients above PAHO’s nutritional profile and/or presence of sweeteners). In the other categories, only one product (of 63 sandwich cookies and 26 breakfast cereals with claims) and three products (of 22 cakes and 28 jellies with claims) had no nutrient in critical concentration. The presence of claims, like “rich/source” of micronutrient, was predominant in seven of the eight food groups. Conclusion: In the present study, there was a high presence of claims, of different types, in foods targeted at children, which, for the most part, also have excess of at least one critical nutrient, according to PAHO.

Abstract Introduction Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have a higher prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) than the general population. PCOS and NAFLD have common metabolic risk factors, however, the role of diet in NAFLD development is still uncertain in PCOS women. Objective To evaluate and compare the dietary patterns and nutritional intake in patients with PCOS with and without NAFLD. Method Cross-sectional study that included patients with PCOS diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria. All participants were submitted to abdominal ultrasound to investigate liver steatosis. Dietary profile was assessed by 24-hour food recall (24hR), and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Diet quality was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) adapted for the Brazilian population. Physical activity practice was also assessed. Results 87 participants were included (average age 35.2 ± 5.7 years), among whom, 67 (77%) had NAFLD. The group with PCOS and NAFLD presented higher body mass index (BMI) (34.9 ± 4.5 vs. 30.4 ± 4.9 kg/m2; p = 0.001), Waist Circumference (WC) (103 [97‒113] vs. 95 [87.5‒100] cm; p < 0.001) and were considered physically active less frequently than those without NAFLD (34.3% vs. 60%; p = 0.04). Food intake and dietary patterns assessed by 24hR, FFQ and HEI presented no difference between the groups. Conclusions PCOS women with coexistent NAFLD had higher BMI, WC and were less physically active than those without NAFLD. Dietary evaluation showed that PCOS women with NAFLD had no significant difference in macro and micronutrients or food group intake and diet quality in comparison to those without NAFLD.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has infected more than 9,834,513 Brazilians up to February 2021. Knowledge of risk factors of coronavirus disease among Brazilians remains scarce, especially in the adult population. This study verified the risk factors for intensive care unit admission and mortality for coronavirus disease among 20-59-year-old Brazilians. METHODS: A Brazilian database on respiratory illness was analyzed on October 9, 2020, to gather data on age, sex, ethnicity, education, housing area, and comorbidities (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for coronavirus disease. RESULTS: Overall, 1,048,575 persons were tested for coronavirus disease; among them, 43,662 were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 34,704 patients died. Male sex (odds ratio=1.235 and 1.193), obesity (odds ratio=1.941 and 1.889), living in rural areas (odds ratio=0.855 and 1.337), and peri-urban areas (odds ratio=1.253 and 1.577) were predictors of intensive care unit admission and mortality, respectively. Cardiovascular disease (odds ratio=1.552) was a risk factor for intensive care unit admission. Indigenous people had reduced chances (odds ratio=0.724) for intensive care unit admission, and black, mixed, East Asian, and indigenous ethnicity (odds ratio=1.756, 1.564, 1.679, and 1.613, respectively) were risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for intensive care unit admission and mortality among adult Brazilians were higher in men, obese individuals, and non-urban areas. Obesity was the strongest risk factor for intensive care unit admission and mortality.

Abstract Food allergies are reproducible adverse reactions mediated by specific immunological mechanisms that occur in sensitive individuals after consumption of a certain food. It is recommended that the allergic person excludes from the diet the food that triggers the allergic reactions. In Brazil, the Collegiate Board Resolution nº 26 of July 2, 2015, establishes the requirements for mandatory labeling of the main foods that cause food allergies, by implementing the use of alerts. The objective of this work was to verify if food labels in Brazil comply with this resolution. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out at the Ezequiel Dias Foundation from July/2018 to September/2018. The compliance of food labels was investigated according to the requirements for mandatory labeling of the main foods that cause allergies, regulated by CBR 26/2015. The results showed that 12.13% of the analyzed foods did not contain the allergy alert. In addition, 31% of the samples used precautionary allergen labeling, due to possible cross-contamination by an allergenic food. People who have food allergies benefit from advances in food labeling. However, much still needs to be done to ensure that legislation is duly complied, in order to improve the quality of life of allergic people.

RESUMO Racional: A sarcopenia é prevalente antes do transplante de fígado e é considerada fator de risco para morbidade/mortalidade desses pacientes. Após o transplante hepático, alguns autores sugerem que a sarcopenia permanece, e os pacientes ganham peso na forma de gordura, atingindo o status de obesidade sarcopênica. Objetivo: Avaliar prospectivamente as mudanças na composição corporal, prevalência e fatores associados em relação à sarcopenia, obesidade e obesidade sarcopênica após o transplante. Métodos: Os pacientes foram avaliados em dois momentos diferentes para composição corporal, 4,0±3,2 e 7,6±3,1 anos e após o transplante. Os dados da composição corporal foram obtidos por meio de bioimpedância elétrica. O índice de massa livre de gordura e o índice de massa gorda foram calculados, e os pacientes foram classificados nas seguintes categorias: sarcopênico; obesidade; obesidade sarcopênica. Resultados: Foram avaliados 100 pacientes (52,6±13,3 anos; 57,0% homens). A prevalência de sarcopenia (19,0% para 22,0%), obesidade (32,0% para 37,0%) e índice de massa livre de gordura (17,9±2,5 para 17,5±3,5 kg/m2), índice de massa gorda aumentou (8,5±3,5 para 9,0±4,0 kg/m2), e obesidade sarcopênica (0 para 2,0%) também aumentaram, embora não significativamente. O gênero feminino foi associado à sarcopenia. Conclusão: Após a operação, a gordura aumentou ao longo dos anos e a massa magra diminuiu, embora não significativamente. A sarcopenia e a obesidade estavam presentes após o transplante; no entanto, a obesidade sarcopênica não foi realidade observada nesses pacientes.

ABSTRACT Background: Sarcopenia is prevalent before liver transplantation, and it is considered to be a risk factor for morbidity/mortality. After liver transplantation, some authors suggest that sarcopenia remains, and as patients gain weight as fat, they reach sarcopenic obesity status. Aim: Prospectively to assess changes in body composition, prevalence and associated factors with respect to sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity after transplantation. Methods: Patients were evaluated at two different times for body composition, 4.0±3.2y and 7.6±3.1y after transplantation. Body composition data were obtained using bioelectrical impedance. The fat-free mass index and fat mass index were calculated, and the patients were classified into the following categories: sarcopenic; obesity; sarcopenic obesity. Results: A total of 100 patients were evaluated (52.6±13.3years; 57.0% male). The fat-free mass index decreased (17.9±2.5 to 17.5±3.5 kg/m2), fat mass index increased (8.5±3.5 to 9.0±4.0; p<0.05), prevalence of sarcopenia (19.0 to 22.0%), obesity (32.0 to 37.0%) and sarcopenic obesity (0 to 2.0%) also increased, although not significantly. The female gender was associated with sarcopenia. Conclusion: The fat increased over the years after surgery and the lean mass decreased, although not significantly. Sarcopenia and obesity were present after transplantation; however, sarcopenic obesity was not a reality observed in these patients.

RESUMO Racional: Existe lacuna na literatura em relação à presença de hipercalemia em pacientes submetidos ao transplante hepático. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de hipercalemia após o transplante hepático; e avaliar os fatores de risco associados a essa condição. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, no qual foram avaliados 147 pacientes submetidos ao transplante hepático, com tempo de seguimento de um ano. A coleta de dados compreendeu gênero, idade, valores séricos de potássio, ureia, creatinina, sódio e medicamentos utilizados no tempo de 1, 6 e 12 meses após o transplante. Hipercalemia foi definida como valores de potássio sérico maiores do que 5,5 mEq/l. Resultados: Hipercalemia foi observada em 18,4%, 17,0% e 6,1% dos pacientes no 1º, 6º e 12º meses após o transplante, consecutivamente. Idade avançada (p=0,021), baixos valores de creatinina sérica (p=0,007), valores aumentados de ureia (p=0,010) e hipernatremia (p=0,014) foram fatores associados à hipercalemia, assim como a dose de prednisona no 6º mês após o transplante (p=0,014). Conclusão: Hipercalemia esteve presente em menos de 20% dos pacientes no primeiro mês após o transplante hepático, com diminuição da prevalência ao longo do tempo. Considerando que ela não afeta todos os pacientes, o tratamento dietético deve ser individualizado, com especial atenção à recomendação de administração de potássio de forma rotineira.

ABSTRACT Background: There is a lack of data regarding hyperkalemia after liver transplantation. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of hyperkalemia after liver transplantation and its associated factors. Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated 147 consecutive post-transplant patients who had at least one year of outpatient medical follow up. The data collection included gender, age, potassium values, urea, creatinine, sodium and medication use at 1, 6 and 12 months after. Hyperkalemia was defined as serum potassium concentrations higher than 5.5 mEq/l. Results: Hiperkalemia was observed in 18.4%, 17.0% and 6.1% of patients 1, 6 and 12 months after tranplantation, respectively. Older age (p=0.021), low creatinine clearance (p=0.007), increased urea (p=0.010) and hypernatremia (p=0.014) were factors associated with hyperkalemia, as well as the dose of prednisone at six months (p=0.014). Conclusion: Hyperkalemia was prevalent in less than 20% of patients in the 1st month after liver transplantation and decreased over time. Considering that hyperkalemia does not affect all patients, attention should be paid to the routine potassium intake recommendations, and treatment should be individualized.

Objetivo: determinar a prevalência de anormalidades de colesterol total (CT), lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL) e alta densidade (HDL) e triglicérides, e identificar fatores preditivos dessas desordens em pacientes submetidos ao transplante hepático (TxH). Métodos: estudo transversal de avaliação da prevalência de dislipidemias em pacientes submetidos ao TxH. Variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas, clínicas, antropométricas e dietéticas foram coletadas para identificar os fatores associados utilizando análises estatísticas uni e multivariadas. Resultados: foram avaliados 136 pacientes, dos quais 68,1% apresentaram pelo menos um tipo de dislipidemia. O nível de triglicérides esteve elevado em 32,4% dos casos, a HDL reduzida em 49,3% dos pacientes e os níveis de LDL elevados em apenas 8,8%. Colesterol total elevado foi observado em 16,2% da população estudada e esteve associado à indicação de transplante por cirrose etanólica (OR = 2,7) e maior número de horas dormidas por noite (OR = 1,5). Conclusão: grande parte dos pacientes apresentou dislipidemia após o transplante, demonstrando a necessidade de intervenções em relação aos fatores modificáveis associados às dislipidemias que podem atenuar ou prevenir essas desordens.

Objective: to determine the prevalence of abnormal total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LTx) and to identify predictors of these disorders. Methods: cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients undergoing LTx. Demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, anthropometric and dietetic data were collected to determine the association with dyslipidemia using univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. Results: 136 patients were evaluated, 68.1% of which had at least one type of dyslipidemia. The triglyceride level was high in 32.4% of cases, with low HDL in 49.3% of patients and high LDL levels in only 8.8%. High total cholesterol was observed in 16.2% of the study population and was associated with the recommendation for transplantation due to ethanolic cirrhosis (OR = 2.7) and a greater number of hours slept per night (OR = 1.5). Conclusion: many patients presented dyslipidemia after transplantation, demonstrating the need for interventions in relation to modifiable factors associated with dyslipidemias that can mitigate or prevent these disorders.

Esta revisão tem por objetivo descrever a incidência e prevalência de excesso de peso, sobrepeso e obesidade pós-transplante hepático e as consequências associadas a ele. Foi realizada revisão bibliográfica com consulta nas bases Medline/Pubmed, SciELO, EMBASE, LILACS com o cruzamento dos seguintes descritores: transplante hepático; sobrepeso; obesidade; ganho de peso. O excesso de peso é incidente em mais de 60% dos pacientes submetidos ao transplante hepático e as taxas de obesidade ultrapassam 20% já no primeiro ano do pós-operatório, período em que ocorre o maior ganho de peso relativo. Estudos revelaram que entre 60% e 70% dos pacientes submetidos ao transplante de fígado apresentam excesso de peso após o terceiro ano e quase 90% deles com obesidade abdominal. Os fatores associados são os mais variados, dentre os quais se destacam maior idade, história familiar de excesso de peso, excesso de peso anterior à doença hepática, dentre outros. A contribuição da medicação imunossupressora ainda permanece controversa. Dentre as consequências do excesso de peso estão a esteatose hepática, esteatohepatite, diabete melito, hipertensão, dislipidemias, doenças cardiovasculares e morte.

This review aims to describe the incidence and prevalence of overweight and obesity after liver transplantation and the consequences associated with it. Literature review consultation was conducted in Medline / PubMed, SciELO, EMBASE and LILACS, with the combination of the following keywords: liver transplantation, overweight, obesity, weight gain. Overweight is incident on more than 60% of patients undergoing liver transplantation and obesity rates exceed 20% in the first year after surgery, during which occurs the largest relative weight gain. Studies have shown that between 60% and 70% of patients undergoing liver transplantation are overweight after the third year, 90% with abdominal obesity. Associated factors are, among others, advanced age, family history of overweight and excess weight prior to liver disease. The contribution of immunosuppressive medication remains controversial. Some of the consequences of overweight are liver steatosis, steatohepatitis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease and death.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of probiotics on the development of chemically induced (1, 2-dimethylhydrazine) colonic preneoplastic lesions, in mice. METHODS: The animals were divided into five groups. The control group was injected with carcinogen alone and the other groups also received probiotics (1- Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV-H2b20; 2- Bifidobacterium animalis var. lactis Bb12; 3- L. delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 plus B. animalis var. lactis Bb12; and 4- Saccharomyces boulardii) administered orally in drinking water throughout fourteen weeks. RESULTS: Consumption of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria alone resulted in a significant reduction of the total number of aberrant crypt foci (55.7% and 45.1%, respectively). Significant reduction in the number of these small foci (<3 aberrant crypts) was only observed in the group treated with lactobacilli (52.2%) in comparison to control group. The number of larger foci (>3 aberrant crypts) crypts had no significant reduction. CONCLUSION: L. delbrueckii UFV-H2b20 and B. animalis var. lactis Bb12 administered alone protect colonic preneoplastic lesions in mice, while the combined treatment of these bacteria and the administration of S.boulardii were not effective in reducing such colonic lesions.

CONTEXTO: A desnutrição é amplamente descrita em pacientes à espera de transplante hepático (LTx). No entanto, fatores de risco associados à perda de peso durante a doença do fígado ainda não foram bem estudados. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a perda de peso e seus fatores de risco durante a doença do fígado e até a primeira consulta após o transplante. Pacientes submetidos ao LTx foram retrospectivamente avaliados para perda de peso durante a doença do fígado, enquanto na lista de espera para LTx. O peso usual dos pacientes antes da doença e seu primeiro peso ambulatorial após o transplante foram considerados para as análises. Variáveis demográficas, de estilo de vida, socioeconômicas e variáveis clínicas foram coletadas para avaliar fatores de risco, usando análise de regressão linear múltipla. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente 163 pacientes submetidos a LTx entre 1997 e 2008. Os pacientes perderam em média 7,7 ± 12,4 kg, quando doentes. Variáveis independentemente associadas à perda de peso foram as seguintes: ex-fumante (P = 0,03), maior índice de massa corporal (P<0,01), excesso de peso antes de doença hepática (P = 0,02), indicação ao transplante (P = 0,01). Das indicações ao transplante, os indivíduos que foram diagnosticados com cirrose etanólica perderam significantemente mais peso (P<0,01) e os diagnosticados com hepatite viral C (P = 0,01) e hepatite autoimune (P = 0,02), significantemente menos. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes estudados apresentaram perda de peso durante a doença do fígado independentemente da idade, sexo, escolaridade e renda, no entanto, a causa da doença hepática esteve relacionada à perda de peso.

CONTEXT: Malnutrition is widely described in patients waiting for liver transplantation (LTx). However, risk factors associated with weight loss during liver disease have not yet been well studied. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess weight loss and its risk factors during liver disease and up to the first appointment after transplantation. Patients who underwent LTx were retrospectively assessed for weight loss during liver disease while on the waiting list for LTx. The usual weight of the patients before disease and their weight on the first outpatient appointment after transplant were considered. Demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle and clinical variables were collected to assess risk factors using a linear regression analysis. We retrospectively evaluated 163 patients undergoing LTx between 1997 and 2008. RESULTS: Patients lost in average 7.7 ± 12.4 kg while ill. Variables independently associated with weight loss by multiple linear regression analyses were as follows: former smoker (P = 0.03), greater body mass index (P<0.01), overweight before liver disease (P = 0.02) and indication for LTx (P = 0.01). Among these indications, patients with alcoholic cirrhosis had lost significantly more weight (P<0.01), and those with hepatitis C virus (P = 0.01) and autoimmune hepatitis (P = 0.02) had lost significantly less weight. CONCLUSIONS: Patients experienced weight loss during liver disease independent of age, sex, schooling and income; however, the etiology of liver disease was related to weight loss.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de risco cardiovascular em pacientes submetidos ao transplante hepático de acordo com o escore de Framingham e avaliar possíveis associações com fatores de risco tradicionais e não tradicionais. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal em que pacientes submetidos ao transplante hepático foram estratificados quanto ao risco cardiovascular pelo escore de Framingham. Variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas, clínicas e antropométricas foram coletadas para verificar associação com risco cardiovascular utilizando-se análises estatísticas uni e multivariada. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 115 pacientes, dos quais 46,1% apresentaram médio ou alto risco para ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares em 10 anos. O risco percentual médio dos pacientes avaliados foi de 9,5% ± 7,8%. Sexo masculino (OR: 4,97; IC 95% 1,92-12,85; p < 0,01), idade avançada (OR: 1,09; IC 95% 1,04-1,13; p < 0,01) e maior IMC no momento da avaliação (1,09; IC 95% 0,99-1,20; p = 0,03) foram fatores associados ao médio e ao alto riscos cardiovasculares. Maior percentual de risco cardiovascular também esteve associado ao uso de ciclosporina (p = 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: A probabilidade de ocorrência de evento cardiovascular nos pacientes submetidos ao transplante hepático avaliados é superior à da população brasileira. Atenção especial deve ser dedicada a essa população, principalmente em relação aos fatores potencialmente modificáveis associados como maior IMC e uso de ciclosporina.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing liver transplantation according to the Framingham score, and to evaluate possible associations with traditional and non-traditional risk factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in which patients undergoing liver transplantation were stratified by cardiovascular risk according to the Framingham score. Demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and anthropometric variables were collected to assess the association with cardiovascular risk factors using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were evaluated, of which 46.1% showed medium or high risk for the occurrence of cardiovascular events over ten years. The mean percentage risk of evaluated patients was of 9.5 ± 7.8%. Male gender (OR: 4.97; CI: 1.92-12.85; p < 0.01), older age (OR: 1,09; CI: 1.04-1.13; p < 0.01), and higher BMI at the moment of assessment (1.09; CI: 0.99-1.20; p = 0.03) were factors associated with medium and high cardiovascular risk. A higher percentage of cardiovascular risk was also associated with cyclosporine use (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The probability of occurrence of cardiovascular events in the assessed patients undergoing liver transplantation was higher than that in the Brazilian population. Special attention should be paid to this population, especially in relation to potentially modifiable factors associated to higher BMI and cyclosporine use.

OBJETIVO: O estado nutricional de pacientes em lista de espera para transplante hepático deve ser avaliado devido ao risco elevado de deficiências nutricionais desses doentes, sendo este o objetivo do presente estudo. MÉTODOS: Em 13 meses, pacientes candidatos a transplante de fígado foram avaliados nutricionalmente pela técnica de Avaliação Global Subjetiva (AGS) e a ingestão alimentar foi quantificada pelo recordatório de 24 horas. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 159 pacientes, média de idade de 50 ± 10,6 anos, sendo 71,1% homens. A desnutrição foi encontrada em 74,7% dos pacientes, com 28% de desnutridos graves. Essa foi associada à gravidade da doença por Child-Pugh, à presença de edema e/ou ascite, aos episódios prévios de encefalopatia hepática, ao uso de mais de três medicamentos e aos baixos níveis de atividade física (p<0,05). Os dados socioeconômicos dos pacientes, a etiologia da doença e o escore MELD não afetaram o estado nutricional (p=NS). O percentual de adequação alimentar em relação às necessidades calóricas não foi atingido por 90,7% dos doentes e por 75,7% dos mesmos em relação às necessidades protéicas. CONCLUSÃO: Pode-se concluir que a desnutrição é altamente prevalente entre pacientes aguardando transplante hepático, os quais apresentam ingestão alimentar deficiente, o que certamente mantém o ciclo vicioso que piora o estado nutricional.

OBJECTIVE: Nutritional status of patients in the waiting list for liver transplant must be assessed due to the many risk factors associated with nutritional deficiencies. This was the aim of the study. METHODS: Throughout a period of 13 months, patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation were nutritionally assessed by the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and food intake was assessed by using the 24 hour recall instrument. RESULTS: 159 patients were included, mean age 50.5 +10.6 years and 71.1% were men. Overall malnutrition according to SGA was 74.7%, with 28% of patients considered severely malnourished. Malnutrition was associated with Child-Pugh score, presence of ascites and/or edema, previous episodes of encephalopathy and use of three or more medications and lower levels of physical activity. Socio-economic aspects, etiology of the disease and MELD score did not affect the nutritional status (p = NS). Calorie needs were not reached by 90.7% of patients and 75.7% of them did not reach protein requirements. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, malnutrition is highly prevalent amongst patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation and most do not meet nutritional requirements which certainly contribute to the vicious cycle leading to a deranged nutritional status.