Abstract: The nutritional status and plasma free amino acid(PFAA)of 18 patients with post hepatitis cirrhosis ascites(HLCA)were assessed before and after the treatment with medication and diet. The result showed that triceps skinfold fat(TSF),mid arm muscle circumference(MAMC),the level of some essential amino acids(EAA)and conditioned essential amino acids(CEAA)were singificantaly increased after the treatment(P<0.01,P<0.05).There was a good correlation between the ratio of branched chain amino acid(BCAA)to aromatic amino acid(AAA)and TSF. It is suggested that ascites may worsen the nutritional status in post hepatitis cirrhosis and the complex treatment with diet is extremely important. It is confirmed that the level of PFAA can reflect the nutritional status of the patients.

Key words: post hepatitis cirrhosis ascites, nutritional status, amino acids