Patients with chronic liver disease are often faced with symptoms that affect their ability to eat. These symptoms have implications on their weight and nutritional status, contributing to weight loss and malnutrition.

In a cross-sectional study published in Clinical Nutrition, investigators assessed the prevalence of nutrition impact symptoms (NIS) in patients with chronic liver disease, and evaluated the relationships between NIS, malnutrition and health-related quality of life.

In this study on adult patients with chronic liver disease being evaluated for liver transplantation, investigators studied NIS using the Eating Symptoms Questionnaire and the Disease-Related Appetite Questionnaire. Malnutrition was assessed with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was assessed with the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire.

Overall, 133 patients were included in the study. Nearly 90% of the study patients reported one or more NIS while 51% reported four or more NIS. The most common symptoms included dry mouth (61%), abdominal pain (58%), diarrhea (45%) and nausea (41%). About 32% of the patients had malnutrition, as per the GLIM criteria. It was noted that malnourished patients reported more NIS as well as lower HRQOL. Certain NIS, such as pain, poor appetite, changes in taste and early satiety, predicted malnutrition.

Researchers concluded that NIS are common in patients with chronic liver disease and have a link with malnutrition and worse HRQOL. It is therefore crucial to assess NIS in patients with chronic liver disease.

Source: Lindqvist C, Slinde F, Majeed A, et al. Nutrition impact symptoms are related to malnutrition and quality of life – A cross-sectional study of patients with chronic liver disease. Clin Nutr. August 6, 2019.