Abstracts of the 2022 Annual Meeting of the ALEH
More infoMalnutrition (MN) is a common entity in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and has a negative impact on mortality. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of MN through subjective global assessment (SGA) and anthropometry in patients with LC and to analyze its relationship with the severity of the disease.
Materials and MethodsWe included ambulatory and hospitalized patients >18 years old with LC. They were followed between May/2016 and April/2019. Nutrition assessment was performed through SGA and anthropometry (triceps skinfold and mid-arm muscle circumference). Muscle strength was measured by dynamometry. We evaluated the severity of LC with Child-Pugh (CP) and MELD scores.
ResultsChi-square or Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney test. The statistical significance value was p<0.05. Four hundred thirty-six patients were evaluated. Women 50.23%, age 59.56±13 years, CP A 69.27%, B 22.25% and C 8.49%, MELD ≥15: 12.85%. SGA and anthropometry were normal in 46.33%. The absolute concordance between SGA and anthropometry was 59.17% (kappa=0.25). MN was diagnosed by SGA in 36.1%, 77.32%, and 86.48% in CP A, B and C, respectively. MN was diagnosed by anthropometry in 20.53% of those with CP A, 32.99 % with CP B and 54.05% with CP C. A significant association was also found according to the MELD score by anthropometry and SGA (p<0.0001). In 109 patients, muscle strength was measured, and it was altered in 30.28%.
ConclusionsHigh prevalence of MN was observed in patients with LC, even in those compensated. The concordance between SGA and anthropometry was low, so complementary use of both tools would be convenient, as well as early detection of MN, which may allow timely intervention.
