Assessment of Sarcopenia as an Indicator of Malnutrition in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Abstract

Background: The precise characterization of sarcopenia in cirrhosis is a subject of ongoing debate. It encompasses a decline in both  muscular strength and/or function. Cirrhosis is a condition characterized by a state of catabolism, when the breakdown of muscle protein  surpasses its synthesis, leading to sarcopenia.

Objective: This work aimed to assess sarcopenia as an indicator of malnutrition in  individuals with cirrhotic liver.

Patients and methods: This case-control work was performed on 75 participants, both sexes,  diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. All cirrhotic subjects with Child-Pugh score either A, B, or C and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Participants had been split into two groups: Control group (n=15) healthy individuals and group II (cirrhotic group) that was further  subdivided into four subgroups: 15 participants Child A, 15 participants Child B, 15 participants Child C, and 15 HCC participants.

Results:  a positive correlation was existed among the degree of liver cirrhosis detected by shear wave elastography (SWE) and the degree of  sarcopenia (PMTH by CT) (P <0.001). Psoas muscle thickness/height (PMTH) had been substantially elevated in the male group in contrast  to the female group (P =0.046). SWE of the liver was substantially various among the five groups (P <0.001). The existence of  sarcopenia was significantly various between 4 groups as higher in the HCC group contrasted to Child A, Child B, and Child C (P =0.023).  Mid-arm circumference and midarm muscle circumference (MAMC) were significantly lower in Child A, Child B, Child C, and HCC group  compared to the control group.

Conclusions: Malnutrition frequently coexists with cirrhosis, and sarcopenia can serve as a predictive  factor for malnutrition associated with cirrhosis and its consequences. A positive correlation was existed among SWE and the degree of  sarcopenia.