[Sarcopenia in Chronic Liver Disease]

Korean J Gastroenterol. 2023 Nov 25;82(5):233-238. doi: 10.4166/kjg.2023.127.
[Article in Korean]

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a crucial factor in assessing the nutritional status of chronic liver disease patients and predicting their prognosis and survival. The serum ammonia level is closely associated with sarcopenia regarding ammonia, a key regulator in the liver-muscle axis. In addition, various changes in energy metabolism and hormones are also involved in sarcopenia. The psoas muscle area can represent the overall skeletal muscle mass in liver disease patients. Therefore, measuring the psoas muscle area with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is considered an objective and reliable method for assessing muscle mass. Providing sufficient calorie and protein intake is crucial for preventing and treating sarcopenia. In addition, engaging in appropriate exercise and addressing concurrent hormonal and metabolic changes can be helpful.

Keywords: Ammonia; Nutrition status; Psoas muscle; Sarcopenia.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ammonia
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases* / complications
  • Liver Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Liver Diseases* / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • Psoas Muscles / pathology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sarcopenia* / complications
  • Sarcopenia* / diagnosis
  • Sarcopenia* / pathology

Substances

  • Ammonia