Malnutrition has become progressively common in end-stage liver disease (ESLD). The occurrence of malnutrition has been reported in a remarkable proportion of patients with cirrhosis and ranges from 10% to 100%, depending on severity of hepatic decompensation in the setting of cirrhosis.

Precisely, lot of patients who are expecting liver transplantation develop various nutritional deficiencies. Malnutrition is a prognosticator of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Malnutrition associated with liver disease has been connected to a risk of infections, complications associated with surgery, poor candidature for liver transplantation, and a lengthy stay in the hospital or intensive care unit. Regular screening of patients with ESLD for malnutrition can facilitate quick diagnosis leading to timely commencement of treatment and improved outcomes. A multifaceted interface of many factors are involved in increasing the risk of malnutrition in cirrhosis. Malnutrition is a growing problem, especially in cirrhotic patients with ESLD. Valuation of malnutrition should be done in 2 stages, first to recognize patients at risk for malnutrition based on cirrhosis and the second to run a complete multidisciplinary nutritional evaluation on these patients.

Consistent protocols to screen for malnutrition associated with cirrhosis and timely interference with nutritional support is an essential step in reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality.

Nutrients. 2017 Oct; 9(10): 1114