Microbiome and Sarcopenia in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

Summary

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) occurs in 65-90% of patients with liver cirrhosis. Severity of malnutrition correlates with progression of liver disease and leads to sarcopenia in 30-70% of cirrhotic patients. Malnutrition and sarcopenia are associated with an increased risk of complications and mortality. In cirrhosis the gut microbiome is altered leading to increased gut permeability, bacterial translocation and inflammation. Since the microbiome is involved in nutrient uptake and metabolism, it is hypothesized that microbiome alterations contribute to sarcopenia. A prospective controlled cohort study to investigate the interrelation of microbiome changes and sarcopenia in cirrhosis will be conducted. Furthermore the effect of nutritional interventions on the microbiome in cirrhosis will be studied. From this study information on how the gut microbiome composition and sarcopenia are associated in cirrhosis and if modulation of the gut microbiome by nutritional interventions is feasible will be collected.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Hospitalized patients for any reason with clinical/radiological/histological diagnosis of cirrhosis
* Age \>18y
* Informed consent
* CT/MRI scan within +/-14 days of the baseline study visit

Exclusion Criteria:

* Hepatic encephalopathy \> grade 2 and or other cognitive disorder not allowing informed consent
* advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
* Any other condition or circumstance, which, in the opinion of the investigator, would affect the patient's ability to participate in the protocol

Conditions3

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