Combined grip strength and calf circumference as a useful prognostic system in patients with liver diseases: a large cohort study

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia and body composition can be associated with mortality in chronic liver diseases (CLDs). We sought to identify predictors in CLD patients (n=631, 309 males) and create a prognostic model using easily available indexes. METHODS: Reference values for low-grip strength (GS) were 26 kg in men and 18 kg in women. Reference values for low-skeletal muscle index (SMI) were 7.0 kg/m(2) in men and 5.7 kg/m(2) in women using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Reference values for low-calf circumference (CC) were 34 cm in men and 33 cm in women. Reference values for high-waist circumference were 85 cm in men and 90 cm in women. Using significant factors in the multivariate analysis contributing to the overall survival (OS), we created a simple predictive model. Akaike information criterion (AIC) was compared. RESULTS: Men (P