Muscle Mass Via UltraSound in Cirrhosis (MMUSCLE)

Prospective Observational Cohort Survey to Assess the Prevalence and Development of Sarcopenia and the Correlation of Muscle Mass and Outcome in Patients With Cirrhosis by Skeletal Muscle Ultrasound.

The goal of this observational cohort study is to learn about loss of muscle mass and muscle strength (sarcopenia) in patients with cirrhosis. The main question[s] it aims to answer are:

• what is the prevalence and development of sarcopenia in cirrhosis?

• what is the role of malnutrition? Participants will

  • undergo a muscle ultrasound of the lower and upper limb muscles
  • handgrip strength will be measured
  • malnutrition screening and assessment
  • complete a questionnaire to assess quality of life

In this study, the investigators will assess the prevalence and development of sarcopenia in the large in- and outpatient population with cirrhosis (n= 1346) of the University Hospital of Antwerp, using ultrasound assessment of muscle mass and quality in the lower as well as the upper limb muscles. Handgrip strength will be tested for muscle functional status. Findings will be correlated with clinical outcome (MELD, survival, decompensating events). The etiology of the cirrhosis and its underlying activity will be taken into account as dependent variables, e.g. whether there is a difference between compensated vs. decompensated cirrhosis. The investigators will screen for malnutrition using the RFH-NPT and compare with the GLIM criteria. The effect of sarcopenia on the quality of life will be evaluated using the validated "SarQoL®" (Sarcopenia Quality of Life) questionnaire.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of cirrhosis and follow-up in the University Hospital of Antwerp

Exclusion Criteria:

• known patient will against participation in the study or against the measures applied in the study
• a decision made prior to inclusion to stop further treatment of the patient within the next 24 hours
• no complete remission of malignancy including hepatocellular carcinoma within the past 12 months