Insufficient Protein Intake Is Associated With Increased Mortality in 630 Patients With Cirrhosis Awaiting Liver Transplantation

Abstract

In this large cohort of liver transplant waitlisted patients, very low protein intake was prevalent and independently associated with malnutrition and mortality. Unlike many other prognostic factors, protein intake is potentially modifiable. Prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the effect of targeted protein repletion on clinically relevant outcomes such as muscle mass, muscle function, immune function, and mortality.