Assessment of malnutrition in alcoholic and non alcoholic cirrhotics.
OBJECTIVE
To study the nutritional status in patients with chronic liver disease using anthropometric techniques.


METHODS
A total of 60 cirrhotic patients (30 Alcoholic (AC), 30 Non-alcoholic (NAC) and 30 control (CO) subjects were studied. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements such as stature, body weight, body mass index, (BMI), skinfold thickness measurements and mid upper arm muscle circumference. Serum protein, serum albumin and globulin were measured.


RESULTS
The skinfold thicknesses were significantly lower in NAC group of patients. In contrast the AC group of patients showed significantly lower mid upper arm muscle circumference values. Both groups of cirrhotic patients showed significantly lower total serum protein and serum albumin levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Body fat is relatively more affected in NAC group of patients and muscle mass is more affected in AC group of patients.
Narayanan
L
L
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Chawla
Y
Y
Bhalla
A K
AK
Sharma
M
M
Dilawari
J B
JB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications*; D008104:Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology
D001798:Blood Proteins