P1587EFFECT OF INTERMITTENT FASTING IN RAMADAN ON BODY COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIONAL PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS ON MAINTENANCE HEMODIALYSIS

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims Intermittent fasting has been demonstrated to have many potential health-promoting effects. Intermittent fasting regimens were proven to influence metabolic regulation and chronic inflammation. Fasting during the month of Ramadan can be considered as a model of intermittent fasting among Muslims. In general, there is a shortage of studies in the context of the effect of Ramadan fasting in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). The present study aimed to assess the effects of fasting in Ramadan on body composition as well as nutritional and inflammation parameters in patients on chronic HD. Method This prospective observational study included 68 patients on maintenance HD for more than six months in Mansoura Nephrology and Dialysis Unit (MNDU). The study was performed in Ramadan 1440 Hijri when the fasting hours ranged from 15 to 16 hours. Patients’ nutritional status was assessed by malnutrition inflammation score (MIS). Anthropometric measurements, including body weight, height, mid arm circumference (MAC) and triceps skin fold thickness (TSF), were measured. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance. All of the aforementioned methods were performed before start of Ramadan and repeated three weeks after the end of the holy month in patients who fasted. Results Forty–five patients (66%) fasted more than 18 days during the month of Ramadan. The mean age of patients who fasted was 47.33±14.86 years with a median duration of HD of 35 months (IQR 14.5-74.5). After Ramadan, weight gain was observed in patients who fasted. However, the increase in body mass index (BMI) was statistically insignificant (28.7±6.06 vs 29.04±6.09kg/m? p=0.073). On the other hand, visceral fat was significantly reduced after Ramadan (p<0.0001). MIS score improved with lower score estimated after Ramadan; however, the difference was insignificant (p=0.059). Conclusion Fasting in Ramadan in HD patients was associated improvement of the metabolic profile evident by decrease in visceral fat. The effect of intermittent fasting on inflammation and nutritional parameters in patients on maintenance hemodialysis needs further investigations.