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A Physical Therapy and Nutritional Intervention to Improve Frailty in the Liver Transplant Candidate

N. Bartell1, K. Dokus2, K. Helbig1, J. Martens2, B. Al-Judaibi1

1University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 2Univeristy of Rochester, Rochester, NY

Meeting: 2022 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: 1434

Keywords: Liver cirrhosis, Liver transplantation, N/A, Surgery

Topic: Clinical Science » Liver » 53 - Liver: Cirrhosis - Portal Hypertension and Other Complications

Session Information

Session Name: Liver: Cirrhosis - Portal Hypertension and Other Complications

Session Type: Poster Abstract

Date: Monday, June 6, 2022

Session Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm

 Presentation Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm

Location: Hynes Halls C & D

*Purpose: Sarcopenia and frailty are independent predictors of mortality in cirrhotic patients; increased access to physical therapy (PT) and registered dietician (RD) services have the potential to improve patients’ performance status.

*Methods: Starting in January 2018, all liver transplant (LT) candidates at our center were screened for frailty using the Fried Index. Patients identified as frail or pre-frail were given a personalized PT plan and followed by a dedicated LT RD who provided dietary guidance and treatment as necessary. Patients’ frailty scores were reassessed at least every three months to identify new candidates in need of intervention and monitor improvement. Patients continued the program until transplant, delisting or waitlist mortality and had at least 3 months of follow-up. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare changes in frailty score pre- and post-intervention.

*Results: Ninety-nine patients were determined to be pre-frail (n=50) or frail (n=49) at LT evaluation and enrolled in the program. Patient demographics were similar between groups, though there were a greater proportion of frail NASH patients and more HCC diagnosis in the pre-frail group (table 1). Nearly half of enrolled pre-frail pts (46%) and the majority of frail patients (61%) made improvements in their frailty score at last follow up. On the whole, patients in the intervention had a median one point decrease in their Fried score from baseline (p<0.001).

*Conclusions: Access to a physical therapy and nutrition intervention can improve functional status even in the setting of advanced liver disease.

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To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Bartell N, Dokus K, Helbig K, Martens J, Al-Judaibi B. A Physical Therapy and Nutritional Intervention to Improve Frailty in the Liver Transplant Candidate [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2022; 22 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/a-physical-therapy-and-nutritional-intervention-to-improve-frailty-in-the-liver-transplant-candidate/. Accessed May 8, 2025.

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