Body mass index changes after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in individuals with cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is often accompanied by portal hypertension and malnutrition, two common complications that seriously affect treatment efficacy and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the effect of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) on body mass index (BMI) and metabolism in individuals with cirrhotic portal hypertension, and the risk factors that affect changes of BMI. A retrospective study was performed to collect basic information before and after TIPS. This study included 77 participants. For each participant, we assayed body nutrition parameters: change of weight and BMI, routine liver and kidney function tests, and free fatty acids. In addition, we evaluated glucose and biochemical indexes. We used analysis of variance and regression analysis to investigate the effect of TIPS on BMI and metabolism in individuals with cirrhotic portal hypertension, and the risk factors that affect changes of BMI and metabolic components. After TIPS, there was significant improvement in weight, BMI, red blood cell count, blood platelet count, hemoglobin, and Child–Pugh score in individuals with cirrhotic portal hypertension. Average weight and BMI increased after TIPS by 3.2% and 3.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). After 36 months, there were no significant differences in weight and BMI between before and after TIPS. We also observed a dose-response association of pre-TIPS blood ammonia and increased post-TIPS BMI (P = 0.05) in men. This study suggests that individuals with cirrhosis treated with TIPS may see improvement in overall clinical and physical status, as measured by increased weight and BMI. Our data also indicate that pre-TIPS blood ammonia is positively associated with post-TIPS BMI. •Individuals with cirrhosis treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt may see improvement in body weight and body mass index.•Blood ammonia before transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is positively associated with body mass index after.