Chronic liver disease is a risk factor for malnutrition and growth retardation in children.

BACKGROUND: Despite distinct advancements in nutritional therapy, malnutrition and growth retardation remain inevitable consequences of chronic liver disease. The global prevalence of chronic liver disease in children is about 3%, with a quarter undernourished. Malnutrition itself is a negative prognostic indicator of survival. Further research is necessary for delivering adequate nutritional support to reduce morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nutritional status and growth of children with chronic liver disease and its contributing factors.

METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Data were gathered about 21 children aged 7 months to 13.3 years diagnosed with chronic liver disease at Harapan Kita Women and Children Hospital between November 2014 and February 2016. Physical growth and nutritional status were evaluated using anthropometric percentiles and z-scores. Laboratory measurements were made on their first visit.

RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 43.9±47.4 months. Mean weight was 13.4±9.31 kg, and mean length/height was 88.8±27.7 cm. Ten (47.6%) and 3 (14.3%) patients had moderate or severe undernutrition, respectively, and 38% (8 patients) had growth retardation. Of those with good nutritional status, 62.5% were older than 5 years. Malnutrition was correlated with growth failure, a low serum albumin, and elevated aspartate transaminase (p<0.05 in all cases).

CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of malnutrition should encourage nutritional support, delay illness progression and increase survival in children with chronic liver disease.