Sarcopenia and chronic liver diseases
Ching-Sheng Hsu1,2, Jia-Horng Kao3,4,5,6
1a Liver Diseases Research Center, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital , Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation , New Taipei , Taiwan.
Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|February 23, 2019
Summary
Sarcopenia, or muscle loss, is linked to poor outcomes in chronic liver disease patients. More research is needed on its impact in non-cirrhotic patients and better measurement tools.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Oncology
Background:
- Sarcopenia, characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, is prevalent in chronic liver diseases.
- Sarcopenia is a significant prognostic factor for liver transplant candidates and patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- The role of sarcopenia in non-cirrhotic liver disease patients requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on sarcopenia in chronic liver diseases.
- To highlight the prognostic implications of sarcopenia in liver disease management.
- To identify the need for improved sarcopenia assessment methods.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of literature was conducted.
- Searches were performed in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library up to August 2018.
- Studies examining sarcopenia and chronic liver diseases were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Sarcopenia correlates with clinical outcomes and survival in liver transplant recipients.
- Sarcopenia is a prognostic indicator for liver transplantation candidates and HCC patients.
- The impact of sarcopenia on non-cirrhotic patients is currently unclear.
Conclusions:
- Sarcopenia significantly influences outcomes in cirrhotic patients, both with and without liver transplantation.
- Effective and practical sarcopenia measurement tools are urgently needed for managing chronic liver disease patients.
- Future research should focus on sarcopenia's role in non-cirrhotic liver disease.
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