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Malnutrition is common in patients with cirrhosis and can precipitate and worsen complications such as ascites and encephalopathy. Severe malnutrition is also associated with lower survival and is a potential barrier to liver transplant candidacy.
In the current review article, based on the research literature, practice guidelines, and their clinical experience, the authors summarize key points and offer practical tools in assessment and management of malnutrition in cirrhosis, including:
The diagnosis of malnutrition is typically based on expert consensus–based definitions.
There is no validated rapid screening tool for easy use in clinical practice.
Body-mass index (BMI) can be used to identify patients at risk for malnutrition but can be mis…