Association of an Overhydrated State With the Liver Fibrosis and Prognosis of Cirrhotic Patients

Abstract

Background/aim: A bioimpedance analysis (BIA) can indicate an overhydrated state as the extracellular water/total body water (ECW/TBW) value. This study aimed to assess the clinical significance of this value in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs).

Patients and methods: A total of 552 CLD patients who received a liver biopsy and underwent anthropometric assessment and BIA-based body composition analysis were enrolled. The association of the ECW/TBW value with the liver fibrosis and nutritional status was assessed. The relationship between the ECW/TBW value and the prognosis of cirrhotic patients (N=209) was also evaluated.

Results: The ECW/TBW value increased as liver fibrosis progressed and was also related to decreased muscle mass/sarcopenia. The presence of overhydration was associated with a poor prognosis of cirrhotic patients.

Conclusion: An increased ECW/TBW value was associated with progressive liver fibrosis and malnutrition and related to the prognosis of cirrhotic patients.

Keywords: Bioimpedance analysis; ECW/TBW value; liver fibrosis; overhydrated state; prognosis; sarcopenia.