Body fat mass in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Background: Changes in body fat mass in a large number of hemodialysis patients is unknown. Methods: Body fat mass and lean body mass were measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 561 patients with hemodialysis duration less than 180 months (62.3 ± 11.5 years old; mean ± SD). Results: Fat mass tended to increase during the first 3 years of hemodialysis, and it tended to decrease thereafter. Between hemodialysis duration and the fat mass index, there was a significant positive correlation within the first 36-month period of hemodialysis (r = 0.124; P < 0.05; n = 245), and a significant negative correlation during the period of 36 to 180 months. (r = −0.192; P < 0.001; n = 316). There was no tendency of change in the lean body mass index. Conclusion: Considering the results together with the authors previous prospective study results, which show significant fat mass increase in the first year of hemodialysis, the present cross-sectional study may suggest that fat mass gradually increases in the first 3 years and decreases thereafter. Fat mass is suggested to be a nutritional parameter in hemodialysis patients. Am J Kidney Dis 41(S1):S137-S141. © 2003 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.