[Artificial nutrition and alcoholic cirrhosis]

Malnutrition is observed in 60 p. cent of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. It is characterized by weight loss, hypoproteinemia, and a negative nitrogen balance. It is due to multiple causes. This malnutrition increases the risk of disturbances in the immune system, susceptibility to infection, and postoperative complications. Re-nutrition by standard methods of feeding often is inadequate or impractical. Use of artificial nutrition is often made necessary either by enteral or parenteral route. A controlled study of parenteral nutrition did not make it possible to correct weight loss and protein deficiency in these patients. Laboratory tolerability, except for increased BUN was always excellent. Enteral nutrition, easier to administer, which appears less dangerous and more natural, has not demonstrated its efficacy either.