Author information

• ¹Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 505 South Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; UofL Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Robely Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louisville, KY 40207, USA. Electronic address: craig.mcclain@louisville.edu.
• ²Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 505 South Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
• ³Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 505 South Hancock Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.

Abstract

Malnutrition is common in alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH); almost all patients with severe AH have some component of malnutrition. The classic phenotype of malnutrition in AH is sarcopenia, but this has become more difficult to discern clinically as patients have become more obese. Patients with AH are often drinking 10 to 15 standard drinks per day. This substantial alcohol consumption becomes a major source of calories, but these are considered "empty" calories that contain little nutritional value. Malnutrition is associated with liver complications, such as hepatic encephalopathy, and worse liver outcomes. Nutrition support can improve nutrition status and reduce complications.