Assessing Sarcopenia and Nutritional Status in Cirrhosis: A Correlation Study Using Anthropometry and Clinical Scoring Systems

Abstract

Malnutrition, encompassing undernutrition, poses a significant challenge in liver disease management, particularly in cirrhosis, where nutrient absorption is severely impaired (1). This condition is characterized by the loss of both muscle and fat mass, which adversely affects disease progression and overall health. Research highlights that malnutrition in cirrhosis is associated with an increased risk of severe complications, such as variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, contributing to higher morbidity and mortality rates (2, 3). Moreover, malnutrition complicates post-operative outcomes for liver transplant recipients, the only definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease (4). Timely assessment and intervention are critical, as improving nutritional status can enhance transplant-free survival and post-transplant outcomes. This study aims to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and nutritional status in cirrhosis using anthropometric measurements and clinical scoring systems, underscoring the need for comprehensive nutritional evaluations in this vulnerable population