[Prevalence of undernutrition in 143 patients before liver transplantation. The Lausanne experience between 1997 and 2005]. / Prévalence de la dénutrition chez 143 adultes en bilan prétransplantation hépatique. Experience lausannoise de 1997 a 2005.

The prevalence of undernutrition was prospectively studied in 143 patients before liver transplantation between 1997 and 2005. Nutritional assessment is a particularly tricky problem in cirrhosis and mid-arm muscle circumference is considered as the best reliable anthropometric tool. In this prospective study, prevalence rate is very high (61%) and undernutrition is more frequent in alcoholic cirrhotic patients. In conclusion, these patients should benefit from an early dietician intervention before liver transplantation.