A Comparative Assesment Of Nutritional Status In Cirrhosis Of Liver By Anthropometry And RFNP–Tool In Indian Population

Dr Tarjina Begum; Dr. Bedanta Barman; Prof Anup K Das

Volume : VII, Issue : VI, June - 2017

A Comparative Assesment Of Nutritional Status In Cirrhosis Of Liver By Anthropometry And RFNP–Tool In Indian Population

Dr Tarjina Begum, Dr. Bedanta Barman, Prof Anup K Das

Abstract :

Background and Aim: Patients of cirrhosis of liver are at risk of malnutrition with associated increased mortality and morbidity due to multiple reasons. But inadequate attention is given on this aspect in these patients. Methods: 219 newly diagnosed cirrhotics of different stages were examined in a prospective observational study whose nutritional status was assessed by Royal Free Nutritional Prioritising Tool and anthropometry . Serum albumin , total lymhocytic count and total cholesterol were also assessed Students’ unpaired t tests by Chi–square and ANOVA tests were used as indicated. Results: Prevalence of malnutrition in cirrhosis in this study was 90%. 51% of alcoholic compared to 33% non–alcoholic cirrhosis had some form of malnutrition (p = 0.0015). Males and females had significant difference (p= 0.0476). Compå the methods of assessment between RFH–NPT and anthropometric parameters, no statistical difference was found but a positive correlation existed between them and the severity of cirrhosis. Lymphocyte count, serum albumin and cholesterol differed significantly between the cases with and without malnutrition irrespective of its degree. Clinical signs of micronutrient deficiency was an additional association. Conclusion: Severe malnutrition is common in liver cirrhosis, being significantly higher in alcoholics. It increases with the CP grade. Unlike in other Asians, fat loss is significantly less in females compared to the males who demonstrated higher protein loss. Clinical signs of micronutrient deficiency was a significant association. Both Anthropometry and RFH–NPT are equally effective in assessing nutrition. Comparatively easy to perform, RFH–NPT tool is more practical in clinical setting. This will enable us to implement a sufficient oral diet to correct protein and calorie deficits in cirrhotics to reduce morbidity, mortality and cost of treatment.