Correlation of Sarcopenia with Etiologies of Liver Cirrhosis and Its Association with Child-Pugh and MELD Scores

Background: Sarcopenia, defined by the progressive decline in muscle mass and strength, is a common yet often overlooked complication in individuals with liver cirrhosis. The extent of muscle loss varies based on the underlying cause of cirrhosis and may impact overall disease progression. While the Child-Pugh (CPS) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores are standard tools for assessing liver disease severity, their relationship with sarcopenia remains uncertain. Aim: This study aims to investigate the correlation between sarcopenia and various etiologies of liver cirrhosis and examine its association with CPS and MELD scores. Discussion: The prevalence of sarcopenia varies among different causes of cirrhosis, with alcohol-related and viral cirrhosis frequently linked to greater muscle depletion. A higher CPS and MELD score is often associated with severe sarcopenia, indicating poorer clinical outcomes and increased disease burden. Conclusion: Recognizing sarcopenia in cirrhotic patients can improve risk assessment and treatment strategies. Early identification and targeted interventions, including nutritional support and physical rehabilitation, may help mitigate its impact and improve patient outcomes.