Dietary Patterns in Egyptian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Related Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Over the past years, the role of nutrition as one of the most important factors that can influence overall mortality and morbidity in end stage liver disease (ESLD) has been well understood and appreciated, Our study aimed at assessment the dietary intake of the Egyptian cirrhotic patients (due to hepatitis C virus). Patients and methods: Ninety patients were included in the study were divided into three groups according their liver condition according to Child Pugh scoring system (thirty patients of each child class) and all were subjected to careful history (including medical dietary advice, appetite assessment) and thorough dietary history (including 24 hour recall and food frequency). Results: We found Predominance of unsafe intake in calories, calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc, which was more overt in advanced patients. While predominance of over consumption in protein, sodium, iron, selenium and copper, more in Child A group patients. Using food frequency method, we found that with progress of liver disease, there are fewer variations with more restrictions and limitations regarding the intake. Conclusion: Dietary assessment is an important part of the assessment of liver disease patients and offers helpful nutrition interventions to ensure satisfactory nutrient intake and improve the overall clinical outcome of the patient.