Nutritional Management of Sarcopenia in Chronic Liver Disease

AbstractPurpose of reviewThe progressive loss of muscle mass known as sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with cirrhosis and contributes to morbidity and mortality. This review highlights recent literature on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of sarcopenia in chronic liver disease.Recent findingsMultiple mechanisms contribute to sarcopenia in cirrhosis, including poor nutritional intake, physical inactivity, accelerated starvation state, chronic inflammation, and hormonal and metabolic derangements. Specific nutritional interventions as well as exercise and novel pharmacologic therapies show promise in attenuating muscle loss, but ongoing research is needed to define the optimal management especially in patients with sarcopenic obesity and children with chronic liver disease.SummaryEarly detection of sarcopenia and patient-tailored interventions are increasingly recognized as mainstays in the management of patients with cirrhosis. Data continues to emerge on the mechanisms contributing to sarcopenia and the interventions needed to slow muscle loss.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology - Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research