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Liver function test results predict nutritional status evaluated by arm anthropometric indicators

Erika F Hurtado-López1, Alfredo Larrosa-Haro, Edgar M Vásquez-Garibay

  • 1Unidad de Investigación en Epidemiología Clínica, México, México.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|November 22, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Arm measurements are better indicators of malnutrition in children with chronic liver disease (CLD) than weight-for-height. Liver function tests correlate with nutritional status, aiding in predicting growth impairment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Anthropometry

Background:

  • Chronic liver disease (CLD) in children often leads to malnutrition and growth impairment.
  • Accurate nutritional assessment is crucial for managing pediatric CLD.
  • Traditional anthropometric indicators may be less reliable in the presence of fluid retention (ascites).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare weight/height-based anthropometry with arm-based measurements for assessing nutritional status in children with CLD.
  • To determine the predictive value of liver function tests (LFTs) for anthropometric nutritional status in this population.
  • To establish correlations between liver function markers and anthropometric indicators.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 79 children with CLD.
  • Analysis of anthropometric indicators including height-for-age, weight-for-height, and various arm measurements (MUAC, arm circumference, arm muscle area, arm fat area).
  • Correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to assess relationships between LFTs and nutritional status.

Main Results:

  • Growth impairment was observed in 44.3% of children with CLD.
  • Arm measurements, particularly mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), identified significantly more cases of malnutrition (z score < -2 SD) than weight-for-height.
  • Ascites was found to confound weight-for-height measurements.
  • Significant correlations were found between LFTs (conjugated bilirubin, albumin, alkaline phosphatase) and various anthropometric indicators.
  • Regression models incorporating LFTs showed predictive value for nutritional status.

Conclusions:

  • Arm anthropometric indicators are more sensitive than weight-for-height for detecting malnutrition in children with CLD.
  • LFTs are valuable tools for assessing the severity of liver damage and its impact on nutritional status.
  • The findings highlight the strong link between liver function, liver disease severity, and a child's growth and nutritional status.
Abstract

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