Evaluation of nutritional status and its associated factors in hemodialysis patients

Background & Aims: Restriction of some nutrients, loss of nutrients through dialysis, and anorexia are the most critical factors affecting nutritional status in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to determine the nutritional status and its associated factors in hemodialysis patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 220 hemodialysis patients who had been on dialysis for at least three months. The nutritional status was measured using three criteria: subjective global assessment (SGA), protein-energy wasting (PEW), and obesity criteria. Other nutritional indicators, such as food intake assessments, anthropometric measurements, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) were also applied.
Results: The prevalence of protein-energy wasting was 78.2% (95% CI 72.74-83.66), and 22.7% (CI 95% 17.16-28.24) based on SGA (mild malnutrition) and PEW, respectively. The prevalence of obesity was 77.3% (CI 95% 71.76-82.84). According to PEW, about 18.8% of obese people (n = 64) were malnourished. Quality of life was not correlated with any criteria; SGA, PEW, and obesity. Protein (kcal / day) and energy (kcal / day) had a negative correlation with obesity (r = -0.81 and p = 0.042 r = -0.094 and p = 0.089, respectively).
Conclusion: The prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition and obesity in hemodialysis patients in Urmia can differ according to the criteria that we choose to assess nutritional status. A relatively large population of hemodialysis patients studied has a nutritional deficiency, necessitating the need for nutritional counseling in these patients.