Alterations of chemosensory function in end-stage liver disease

Taste and smell dysfunction has been documented in patients with both acute and chronic liver disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if c hemosensory function is improved after restoration of hepatic function with liver transplantation. Nine subjects (seven women and two men) with end-st age liver disease participated in the study. Taste and smell detection and recognition thresholds were determined before and after transplantation. A significant improvement in detection of the taste of sodium chloride and th e odor of phenethyl alcohol was found after transplantation. These findings may have clinical significance in food choices and nutritional status of t hese patients. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.