To study state of nutrition in liver cirrhosis patients

Original Research Article

Abstract

Liver Cirrhosis is a chronic problem that arises due to many reasons such as excessive alcohol intake, hepatitis, drug toxicities and many more reasons. In India also, the magnitude of the problem is quite severe. It is seen more in men than women due to more alcohol intake in males. Researchers show that 20%-50% of liver cirrhosis patients are malnourished with poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, the present study was planned in order to find out the nutritional state of liver cirrhosis patients on the basis of a subjective global assessment (SGA) tool. It was based on the patient's anthropometry, biochemical profile, clinical signs & symptoms, functional capacity and diet intake. It was found that 80% of the patients were male and 20% were female. Most of the patients were from higher income groups in the age group of 41-66 years. Forty two percent of patients were found obese. Waist to hip ratio was found above normal for 18 patients out of 30. Eighty three percent patients were found anaemic, while 40% patients revealed hyponatremia. All patients were found to have platelet count below normal range. All patients showed symptoms of weakness, abdomen, pain, portal hypertension and ascites. Diet intake revealed that 33% patients had calorie intake below requirements, that too in form of empty calories. Eighty four percent of patients revealed higher sodium intake than recommended.