THE EFFECT OF NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND MONITORING ON LABORATORY OUTCOMES AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH CIRRHOSIS

Background and Aim: Liver cirrhosis is end stage of liver diseases with many complications that affect quality of life and nutritional status in cirrhotic patients. Today, educational intervention and nutritional counseling is a key factor for preventing disease process and improving quality of life in patients with chronic diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention on laboratory tests, clinical symptoms, knowledge, and quality of life in patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods: This open label non-randomized before-and-after trial was conducted as a pilot study on cirrhotic patients. Educational intervention and nutritional counseling was performed in clinical visits and guide booklet. Chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) and knowledge questionnaire were used to assess patients quality of life and knowledge. Blood samples were taken before and after intervention for assessment of laboratory outcomes. Physicians assessed clinical symptoms before and after trial.Results: One hundred and seven patients referred to Research Center for enrolling in the trial. Final analyses were done on 72 patients. Quality of life and knowledge of cirrhotic patients improved significantly after educational intervention (P < 0.0001). Biochemical characteristics were not changed significantly. Ascites and edema were improved significantly (P = 0.005 and P = 0.002, respectively). There was significant difference before and after intervention in hospital days (P = 0.001). Conclusion: We concluded a simple educational intervention and continuous monitoring for 6 months can affect clinical outcomes, quality of life, hospital admissions days, and knowledge of patients with cirrhosis.

کلیدواژه ها:

Liver cirrhosis ، Education ، Nutrition ، Booklet