Prevention and treatment of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis in patients with liver cirrhosis

Malnutrition, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis are common nutrition-related complications in patients with liver cirrhosis. Sarcopenia is an important manifestation of malnutrition, while malnutrition and sarcopenia are risk factors for osteoporosis. There is a close relationship among them, and they all have adverse effects on the clinical outcomes and prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis. Therefore, it is necessary to identify them as early as possible and take active measures for prevention and treatment. Insufficient intake of nutrients, metabolic disorders, abnormal hormone levels, and lack of physical activity all contribute to the development of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis in patients with liver cirrhosis. In addition, medications commonly used in the treatment of liver diseases, such as glucocorticoids and some antiviral drugs, may have potential impact on bone metabolism, which needs to be taken seriously in clinical practice. Reasonable nutritional intervention, appropriate exercise, and treatment of underlying diseases are the basis of the prevention and treatment of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis. Some targeted drugs can improve these nutrition-related complications, which needs to be confirmed by further studies.