Abstract
We reported that a weight loss amounting more than 3 kg was observed in 44% of patients who received treatment of esophageal varices. We have analyzed several nutritional markers in 23 patients who received the treatment in Tokai University Hospital during June 2005 and January 2008. Sixteen patients were male and 7 patients were female, and their average age was 59 year-old. Laboratory data, body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), triceptal subcutaneous, fat (TSF), %TSF, arm muscle circumference (AMC), and % AMC were measured before, 2 weeks and 3 months after the treatment. There was no difference in the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, cholineesterase and a branched chain amino acid/tyrosine ratio. Values of serum total protein and albumin were significantly decreased 2 weeks after the treatment, however, they showed no difference 3 months after the treatment. BMI, TSF and %TSF were also significantly decreased 2 weeks after the treatment, while AMC and %AMC were not significantly decreased. These observations suggest that BW, BMI, TSF and %TSH become important nutritional parameters in the treatment of esophageal variees.
