Malnutrition and Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis.

Craig J McClain, Cristian D Rios, Sally Condon, Luis S Marsano

Journal: Clinics in liver disease 2021;25(3):557-570

PMID: 34229839

Free Full Text on PubMed Central View on PubMed

Abstract

Malnutrition is common in alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH); almost all patients with severe AH have some component of malnutrition. The classic phenotype of malnutrition in AH is sarcopenia, but this has become more difficult to discern clinically as patients have become more obese. Patients with AH are often drinking 10 to 15 standard drinks per day. This substantial alcohol consumption becomes a major source of calories, but these are considered "empty" calories that contain little nutritional value. Malnutrition is associated with liver complications, such as hepatic encephalopathy, and worse liver outcomes. Nutrition support can improve nutrition status and reduce complications.

Published by Elsevier Inc.

Address: Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 505 South Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; UofL Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Robely Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louisville, KY 40207, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 505 South Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 505 South Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2021.03.002

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MeSH Terms: Hepatic Encephalopathy, Hepatitis, Alcoholic, Humans, Malnutrition, Nutritional Status, Nutritional Support