Association of phase angle with sarcopenia in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: A case–control study

Abstract

Background: Sarcopenia, characterized by reduced muscle strength and mass, is commonly observed in patients with kidney disease. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence sarcopenia in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD patients). Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted from 2022 to 2023, involving a total of 137 HD patients receiving regular dialysis. Relevant data were collected, and based on diagnostic criteria, patients were classified into sarcopenia and nonsarcopenia groups. All patients received polysulfone membrane HD at a flow rate of 500 mL/min. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to evaluate phase angle (PhA), muscle volume, and body composition. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia among maintenance HD patients was found to be 40.14%. There was a higher proportion of women (76.36%) with sarcopenia compared to men (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant difference was observed in PhA (P < 0.006) between patients undergoing maintenance HD with and without sarcopenia. PhA was positively associated with body mass index, body cell mass, basal metabolic rate, fat-free mass, soft lean mass, and minerals, whereas age and skeletal muscle index showed an inverse significant correlation. Conclusion: Sarcopenia, a condition associated with increased mortality risk, affects a considerable proportion of dialysis patients. It is imperative to urgently identify and develop preventive and therapeutic strategies to counteract the detrimental effects of sarcopenia on the health outcomes of kidney patients.