Comparison of macronutrient intake in patients with cirrhosis and ascites before and after large volume paracentesis

• Grant number: 23/01289-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2023
• End date: May 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Gomes Romeiro
• Grantee: Teresa Chay Alves Mendoza
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FMB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis, and it is estimated that more than half of such patients will have ascites at some time in their lives. Low-sodium diet and diuretics are the mainstay treatments, but in 10% of cases the ascites turns out refractory and the patient begin to be submitted to large-volume paracentesis. A relevant complaint of these patients is caused by eating problems, such as inappetence and early satiety due to thebloating caused by ascites. As a result, they eat less than they need, thus becoming moreprone to malnutrition, which is also a common ans seveere complication in this setting.Aims: This project aims to prospectively compare the consumption of carbohydrates, proteinsand fats before and after large volume paracentesis by patients with refractory ascites.Materials and methods: The amount of each macronutrient will be compared according tothe patients' intake in the last two days before and two days after the paracentesis. The amount of foods will be calculated by food weighing and then transforming the weight in caloric content of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Statistical analysis: Results will be compared by paired t test, and will be consideredsignificant when p values are less than 0.05.Expected results: It is estimated that refractory ascites patients have insufficient food intakebefore paracentesis, especially of proteins and fats, because they provide greater satiety. Thestudy will be important to increase knowledge on nutritional monitoring in a population that isat high risk for malnutrition.