Pilot Study on Safety and Feasibility of Complete Meal Replacement in Liver Transplant Recipients and Potential Donors
1Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI
2Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI
3Transplant Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI
4Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
5Cardiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI.
Meeting: 2015 American Transplant Congress
Abstract number: C144
Keywords: Liver transplantation, Living-related liver donors, Obesity
Session Information
Session Name: Poster Session C: Liver Retransplantation and Other Complications
Session Type: Poster Session
Date: Monday, May 4, 2015
Session Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm
Presentation Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm
Location: Exhibit Hall E
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) and hepatic steatosis (HS) are potential long-term complications after liver transplantation (LT). Post-LT caloric intake normalizes which can result in obesity. Some living liver donors (LDs) are obese and have HS which may adversely affects using their liver for transplantation. The purpose of this pilot study is to report the safety and feasibility of complete meal replacement (CMR) in post-LT and potential LDs.
Method: We describe the pilot study of introducing a (CMR) plan (600-800 calories per day) in obese patients after LT and for potential LDs.Inclusion criteria: Body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2, either a liver biopsy within the previous 12 months indicating any HS or a history of biopsy confirmed Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease, at least 6 months post-LT, and not taking steroids. We plan to enroll 15 LT patients. 5 LDs with a BMI >30 kg/m2 will also be enrolled.
Participants will be prescribed the CMR, by a registered dietitian, for 6 months or when their BMI reaches below 24.925 kg/m2. Participants then transition to a regular food weight maintenance meal plan and continue in the program for another 6 months. Body composition,body weight,BMI,blood pressure,heart rate,quality of life questionnaires and resting metabolic rate will be collected at baseline and every 3 months.
Results: Recruitment is currently ongoing. To date, 86 potential participants, 29 (34%) were medically ineligible, 20 (23%) did not answer our request, 31 (36%) declined participation, and 6 (7%) consented to participate. Currently, 2 post-LT patient and 1 LD have completed the initial 6 months of study. One patient dropped out. 2 more are in early participation phase.
There has been favorable weight loss in all 4 patients participants who have initiated the meal plan. No side effects or medical issues have occurred.
Conclusion: This is a single center pilot study with a small sample size. Recruitment of participants has been difficult,largely due to the restrictive nature of the diet and other reasons. Initial results are encouraging and recruitment will continue.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Bhatti F, Jesse M, George K, Centala J, Ehrman J, Eshelman A, Abouljoud M, Brown K. Pilot Study on Safety and Feasibility of Complete Meal Replacement in Liver Transplant Recipients and Potential Donors [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2015; 15 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/pilot-study-on-safety-and-feasibility-of-complete-meal-replacement-in-liver-transplant-recipients-and-potential-donors/. Accessed May 11, 2025.« Back to 2015 American Transplant Congress