What nutrition concern is present in all forms of cirrhosis?

What nutrition concern is present in all forms of cirrhosis?

• A. Protein-energy malnutrition
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Vitamin D deficiency
• D. Osteoporosis

Answer: (A)

Protein-energy malnutrition is a constant nutrition concern in cirrhosis because liver disease disrupts how nutrients are handled and increases the body's need for energy and protein. Patients often have reduced intake due to loss of appetite, early fullness from ascites, or hepatic encephalopathy, and the catabolic state of chronic liver disease drives muscle breakdown. Resting energy expenditure is typically higher, and fat absorption can be impaired by cholestasis, further depleting nutrient stores. Together, these factors lead to weight and muscle loss (sarcopenia) and low protein stores, making protein-energy malnutrition a common feature across all forms of cirrhosis. Other issues may occur in some patients but are not universal. Hyperkalemia depends on treatments like spironolactone use and renal function, not on cirrhosis itself in every case. Vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis can be present, but not in every individual with cirrhosis.

Protein-energy malnutrition is a constant nutrition concern in cirrhosis because liver disease disrupts how nutrients are handled and increases the body's need for energy and protein. Patients often have reduced intake due to loss of appetite, early fullness from ascites, or hepatic encephalopathy, and the catabolic state of chronic liver disease drives muscle breakdown. Resting energy expenditure is typically higher, and fat absorption can be impaired by cholestasis, further depleting nutrient stores. Together, these factors lead to weight and muscle loss (sarcopenia) and low protein stores, making protein-energy malnutrition a common feature across all forms of cirrhosis.

Other issues may occur in some patients but are not universal. Hyperkalemia depends on treatments like spironolactone use and renal function, not on cirrhosis itself in every case. Vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis can be present, but not in every individual with cirrhosis.