Nutritional Assessment among patients of Chronic Liver Disease by Subjective Global Assessment scale and its correlation with the disease severity in southern part of Haryana

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals diagnosed with chronic liver disease (CLD) are susceptible to malnutrition due to the liver's role in regulating caloric balance. The subjective global assessment of nutritional status (SGA) is a cost-effective, straightforward, and efficient method employed by healthcare professionals to evaluate protein-energy malnutrition. Multiple studies have demonstrated a significant association between poor nutrition and adverse outcomes such as morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality in CLD patients.         

Aim: To assess the nutritional status of CLD patients using SGA, and to determine its relationship with the severity of the condition.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried in a tertiary care institute of southern part of Haryana. A total of 100 study subjects with CLD were recruited as per inclusion and exclusion criterion. A comprehensive assessment of the nutritional assessment was carried out using SGA. Severity of disease was assessed by Child-Pugh-Turcotte score (CPT Score) and Model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score. The association between nutritional status and disease severity was statistically ascertained.

Results: Majority of the study population belonged to 31-40 years (26.0%) followed by 41-50 years (19.0%) and most of the CLD patients were male (69%). Severe malnourishment as assessed by SGA was significantly more among subjects with CPT Grade C (severe CLD), moderate to severe MELD & MELD Na scores (P value < 0.001*).

Conclusion: Malnutrition is significantly associated with severity of chronic liver disease and SGA act as an important tool for assessment of malnutrition in patients with chronic liver disease.