Assessment of Nutritional status of Haemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Malnutrition is very common in patients on hemodialysis. Assessing the malnutrition status of haemodialysis patients is important for treatment and better health of the patients. Anthropometric measurements, both parts of anthropometry are used to assess the nutritional status.

Objective: To assess the nutritional status of hemodialysis patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Bahria International Hospitals, Lahore and completed within 9 months using the convenient sampling technique. The data were collected through pretested questionnaire from 385 dialysis patients. Data were analyzed in the form of mean, frequencies, percentage and standard deviation with the help of SPSS version 22.0.

Results: 50.5 % of the patients had normal body mass index (BMI) and 9.2% had BMI less than 18 which were underweight according to the WHO criteria. The mean and standard deviation of mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), mid arm muscle circumference(MAMC) and skin fold thickness (SFT) were 13.22±6.16, 20.40±4.67 and 1.67±0.54. Biochemical data showed mean and standard deviation of urea, creatinine and albumin were 104.37±38.63, 3.46±7.2716 and 3.46±0.72. Dietary intake included average energy intake i.e. 612.16±243.95, protein intake i.e. 30.61±10.98, fluid i.e. 738.11±223.06, sodium intake i.e. 949.60±578.96 and potassium intake i.e. 918.77±359.52.

Conclusions: Most of the patients on haemodialysis were malnourished. These patients need dietary advice, care and monthly routine check-up of biochemical and anthropometric data to prevent from further complications.