LIVER CIRRHOSIS AND ENCEPH ALOPATHY:
CLINICAL AND METABOLIC CONSEQUENCES
AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
Abstract
Cirrhosis represents the final stage of many chronic
liver diseases and is associated to more or less pronounced
hyponutrition, independently of the etiology, particularly
at advanced stages. Its origin is multifactorial,
with tbree factors contributing to it: a) limitation or decrease
of intake; b) impairment in nutrients digestion or
absorption; and c) tbe interference with nutrients metabolism.
A poor nutritional status is associated with a poor
survival prognosis. Whether caloric-protein malnourishment
ICPM) is an independent predictor of
mortality or only a marker of the severity of liver failure
is subject to controversy.
Tbere is no consensus on which are the best diagnostic
criteria for CPM in cirrbosis. Assessment of hyponulri-
(ion is extremely difficult since both the disease itself and
the triggering or etiologic factors affect many of the parameters
used.
Metabolic impairments mimic