The Relationship between Controlling Nutritional (CONUT) Score and Clinical Markers among Adults with Hepatitis C Virus Related Liver Cirrhosis

Aims: To identify the relationship between the Controlling Nutrition Status (CONUT) score and clinical parameters among adults with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis (LC) (n = 264, 141 males and 123 females). Methods: The relationship between the CONUT score and clinical variables such as Child-Pugh classification were investigated. We also examined factors linked to poor nutritional state as determined by CONUT score. Results: According to the CONUT score, normal nutritional state was found in 57 patients, mild malnutrition state in 132, moderate malnutrition state in 68 and severe malnutrition state in 7. The CONUT score ranged from 0 to 9 (median = 2) in Child-Pugh A (n = 198), 0 to 10 (median = 6) in Child-Pugh B (n = 62) and 6 to 9 (median = 7.5) in Child-Pugh C (n = 4) (overall, p < 0.00001). Multivariate analysis revealed that FIB-4 index, branched-chain amino acid to tyrosine ratio and extracellular water to total body water ratio in bioimpedance analysis were significant for both CONUT score 2 or more, and 5 or more. FIB-4 index had the highest predictability for both CONUT score 2 or more and 5 or more among three parameters. Conclusion: The CONUT score well reflects liver functional reserve among adults with HCV-related LC. FIB-4 index can be useful for malnutrition.