A study of intensified dietary support in underweight candidates for lung transplantation

Background. No data is available on dietary intervention in candidates for lung transplantation and on the effect of different strategies for dietary support in this cohort. Aim: We therefore wanted to evaluate the effects of intensified nutritional support compared with simple support on energy int ake and nutritional status. Method. Our participants were underweight (n = 42) and normal-weight (control group, n = 29) candidates for lung transplan tation. The underweight patients were randomized into two groups. Group A r eceived intensified dietary counselling, ready-made liquid nutritional supp lements free of charge and regular follow-ups, while group B received only one session of individual dietary counselling, no supplements and no follow -ups. Results: The mean intervention time was 21 weeks. Groups A and B both increased their energy intake and gained weight. Group A increased their e nergy intake from a median of 8.7 to 10.1 MJ (p < 0.01 compared with the co ntrol group after intervention) and gained a mean of 2.9 kg body weight (95 % Cl 1.2; 4.7, p = 0.005 compared with the control group), while group B in creased from 7.4 to 10.8 MJ (p = 0.005) and gained 2.3 kg (1.2; 3.3, p = 0. 002). Only group B increased their fat-free mass. In this group, an increas e in O-2 saturation and a decrease in PaCO2 were suggested. None of the gro ups improved its physical performance. Conclusion: In candidates for lung t ransplantation we were unable to confirm the hypothesis that intensified nu tritional support compared with a simple support increased compliance. Both groups achieved the goal for energy intake and gained weight. Copyright (C ) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.