Assessment of Nutrient Intake and its Association with Protein Energy Wasting in Haemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Background: Protein Energy Wasting (PEW) is one of the complications associated with HD, a multi-factorial, maladaptive metabolic state characterized by loss of body protein mass and energy reserves, which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality amongst these patients. Adequate nutrient intake in dialysis patients is, therefore, a challenge due to poor appetite, and anorexia because of the build-up of uremic toxins. Therefore, this study aims to assess PEW and nutrient intake consumption in the HD population to add to the Indian database. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional design conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India. A total of 54 chronic haemodialysis patients were recruited for the study through convenience sampling. Post dialysis session, measurement of weight was recorded. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to record the patient details. Results: The nutrient intake on dialysis day was observed to be lower as compared to non-dialysis day. Only 5% of patients were diagnosed with PEW. A significant correlation between Energy, Protein on dialysis, and non dialysis day, along with Carbohydrate, Sodium, and Potassium intake (p-value 0.001) was observed. Conclusion: The present study found that nutrient intake of Energy, Protein, CHO, Fats, Sodium and Potassium were lower on dialysis day as compared to non dialysis day. Majority of the patients were well nourished and only 5% of patients were Protein Energy Wasted. Keywords: Protein Energy Wasting (PEW), Nutrient intake, Haemodialysis, Appetite, Diet.