Nutritional status in cirrhosis; pathogenesis and management

Abstract

Malnutrition is common in patients with cirrhosis. It is associatedwithworse prognosis and frequent complications includinginfections, hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. Moreovermalnutritionis associated with the progression of liver failure andhigh mortality rate. It has many underlying mechanisms including,anorexia, vomiting, poor absorption, and increased losses andother gastrointestinal disorders. The objectives of nutritionalintervention in cirrhotic patients are the support of liver regeneration,prevention or correction of specific nutritional deficienciesand the prevention and/or treatment of the complications of liverdisease. So that, early recognition and treatment of malnutritionin chronic liver disease lead to better disease outcome as wellas prevention of the complications of chronic liver disease. Thefollowing review discusses approaches for the clinician to overcomesome of the difficulties that prevent adequate nutritiondelivery in cirrhotic patients.