Malnutrition prevalence among non-hospitalized elderly patients with liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A): a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Malnutrition is a common but underrecognized complication of liver cirrhosis, even in early-stage disease. Aim This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition among elderly patients with compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A). Methods In this cross-sectional observational study, 132 elderly patients (93 men, 39 women; aged 60–72 years) were recruited from the outpatient Hepatology Clinic at Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Nutritional status was screened using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Anthropometric indices—including body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, mid-arm muscle circumference, and calf circumference were measured. Dietary intake was assessed via three non-consecutive 24-hour recalls and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. MNA scores classified participants as: well-nourished (≥ 24 points), at risk of malnutrition (17–23.5 points), or malnourished (< 17 points). Results Based on MNA criteria, the results showed that 56.8% were well-nourished, 38.6% were at risk of malnutrition, and 4.6% were malnourished. The mean BMI was 28.4 ± 3.5 kg/m², indicating a high prevalence of overweight/obesity and minimal underweight. Suboptimal protein intake was observed in 40.9% of patients. A significant sex-based disparity was evident: men had higher mean MNA scores than women (25.01 ± 2.13 vs. 20.27 ± 3.30; p < 0.01). Conclusion Despite compensated liver disease and a high prevalence of overweight, more than one-third of elderly patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis are at risk of malnutrition, with women disproportionately affected.