Malnutrition in chronic liver disease

Abstract

Malnutrition is common in advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) negatively affecting both patient morbidity and mortality. Etiopathogenesis is multifactorial and includes insufficient food intake, malabsorption, metabolism alteration towards catabolism and increased energy expenditure. The diagnostic process involves conscientious history taking, basic biometric measurements, functional muscle tests, and with increasing significance also core muscle mass assessment using CT scan. Therapy consists of sufficient nutrients, minerals and micronutrients intake which can be achieved by increased oral intake or using enteral or parenteral nutrition. The aim of this article is to summarize the current knowledge regarding pathogenesis, diagnostics and therapy methods of malnutrition in the specific population of patients with chronic liver disease.