Nutritional Status and Sarcopenia in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease at a Private Hospital in Coimbatore, India
Background: Sarcopenia is characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and low muscle strength, which is a significant concern in patients with NAFLD.
Objective: To investigate the relationship between nutritional status and sarcopenia among Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) patients.
Methodology: The study conducted from January 2024 and June 2024 included 218 study participants. The social and demographic profile, dietary habits, fatigue, and 24-hour recall dietary intake were evaluated using the interview cum questionnaire. Bio Impendence Analysis (BIA) and a hand grip dynamometer were used to assess the muscle mass and muscle strength. Functional capacity was analysed using the 6-minute walk test.
Results: The relationship between relative risk factors and sarcopenia showed that male had a relative risk ratio RRR = 4.048 (95% CI: 1.073–15.275), overweight RRR = 5.929 (95% CI: 1.42–24.763), muscle mass RRR = 0.857 (95% CI: 0.741–0.99), muscle strength RRR = 0.809 (95% CI: 0.729–0.898), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR): RRR = 0.254 (95% CI: 0.069–0.933), moderate fatigue RRR = 0.313 (95% CI: 0.107–0.921), 6-minute walk test RRR = 0.989 (95% CI: 0.981–0.996).
Conclusion: A reduction in muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance had shown a significant association with sarcopenia, indicating the reduction in these factors can lead to an increase in sarcopenia. Tailoring the intervention to increase the muscle mass, strength, and physical performance can help in reducing the progression of the sarcopenia and disease outcomes.
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