Eating Patterns in Patients with Compensated Cirrhosis: A Case-Control Study.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Adequate nutrition is crucial for patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) to prevent complications.
• Evidence suggests a link between nutritional status and LC patient outcomes.
• This study investigates dietary behaviors in compensated, non-complicated LC patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the dietary behaviors of patients with compensated liver cirrhosis.
• To compare the dietary patterns of LC patients with those of the general population.
• To identify differences in diet based on the etiology of liver cirrhosis.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study design was employed, enrolling 174 LC patients from the ALICIR study (CirVir and CIRRAL cohorts).
• 348 controls were selected from the NutriNet-Santé cohort, matched for gender, age, BMI, and education.
• Dietary intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, with data analyzed via multi-adjusted paired Student's tests.

Main Results:

• LC patients consumed significantly more sodas (236.0 ± 29.8 mL vs. 83.0 ± 33.0 mL) and water (1787.6 ± 80.6 mL vs. 933.6 ± 85.3 mL) than controls.
• LC patients consumed significantly less salty snacks (4.2 ± 1.42 g vs. 9.0 ± 1.6 g) and alcoholic beverages (71.8 ± 23.4 g vs. 151.2 ± 25.9 g).
• All comparisons showed p values < 0.0001, and dietary behaviors varied by LC etiology.

Conclusions:

• The dietary behavior of liver cirrhosis patients significantly differs from that of the general population.
• These dietary differences underscore the need for tailored nutritional guidance in LC management.
• Understanding these patterns can inform strategies to improve nutritional status and prevent complications in LC patients.