Sarcopenia is the independent predictor of mortality in critically ill patients with cirrhosis

BackgroundSarcopenia is strongly associated with poor outcome in cirrhosis. There are little prospective data that sarcopenia influences outcomes in critically ill cirrhotics (CICs). Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for sarcopenia assessment in the intensive care unit (ICU), as it is independent of hydration status. AimThis study aims to assess the prevalence of sarcopenia and study its impact on clinical outcomes in CICs. MethodsIn this prospective observational study, CICs admitted to the liver ICU were enrolled, if meeting inclusion (age 18-70 years, abdominal CT scan within three months before ICU admission) and exclusion criteria (survival likely to be