Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims Body composition influences outcomes in hemodialysis (HD) patients. These patients need to follow specific nutritional recommendations and physical activity has been highly encouraged. The aim of this study was to evaluate if there are differences in body composition and in dietary patterns between physically active and no physically active HD patients. Method This was a multicenter observational cross-sectional study where 582 HD patients from 38 dialysis centers were enrolled. Clinical parameters were recorded and body composition analysis was performed with the Body Composition Monitor®. Dietary intake and physical activity were obtained respectively from the Food Frequency Questionnaire and from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, both validated for the Portuguese population. For the analysis, patients were divided in 2 groups: physically active (PA), if they follow the World Health Organization recommendations, and no physically active (NPA). T-student and non-parametric tests were performed to compare means and medians respectively. A p<0.05 was considered significant. Results Mean age was 67.8 ±17.7 years, 41.4% were female, 31.6 % had diabetes mellitus and median HD vintage was 65 (Interquartil range:43-104) months. PA patients were younger (p<0.001) and had a higher energy intake (p= 0.017), protein (p=0.016), total fat (p=0.023) and omega 3 fatty acids (p=0.006). Regarding body composition; higher total body water (p=0.027), intracellular water (p=0.002), lean tissue index (p=0.002), % lean tissue mass (p=0.001), body cell mass (p=0.001) and lower % fat (p=0.003) was found in PA patients. Urea pre-dialysis (p=0.013), albumin (p=0.026), creatinine (p< 0.001) and 6 months weight gain (p=0.047) were higher in PA patients whereas age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (p<0.001) was lower in these patients. No statistically significant differences were observed among other nutrients or parameters studied nor in body mass index, HD vintage or overhydration. Conclusion These data shows that, after comparing PA patients with NPA, differences were observed in body composition and clinical parameters related to a better nutritional status. Moreover, the PA patients` dietary intake was more approximated to the existing recommendations for this population, namely for energy and protein daily intake.

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