Anthropometric determination in children with chronic liver disease

ABSTRACT

Assessment of nutritional status of 50 patients with chronic liver disease [CLD], was attempted using anthropometric techniques [weight, height, mid-arm circumference and triceps skin fold]. Its relation to the histopathological diagnosis of liver disease was also studied. According to the results of liver biopsy, patients were divided into 4 groups chronic active hepatitis [CAH], chronic persistant hepatitis [CPH], cirrhosis and Bilharzial hepatosplenomegaly [Bil. HSM]. Results revealed that all parameters were affected in all forms of CLD. Weight was particulary affected among patients with CAH. Height and mid-arm circumference were most affected in cases of Bil. HSM whereas triceps skin fold thickness was mainly affected among cirrhotic patients. We believe that nutritional assessment as part of the routine examination of patients with CLD is mandatory for early intervension with possible reversing of nutritional deficiency and improving the quality of life of those patients particularly with likelyhood liver transplantation