Subjective Global Assessment of Nutritional Status among Chronic Kidney Disease Dialysis Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional status is compromised in End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis. In order to predict the clinical outcomes of these patients, the diagnosis of nutritional status becomes extremely important. However, data related to parameters assessing nutritional status are limited. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status of dialysis patients with ESRD at the renal care unit of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at the renal care unit of a tertiary care hospital from January 2016 to July 2016. Fifty individuals were divided into two groups: 30 stable ESRD patients on Haemodialysis (HD) and 20 stable ESRD patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD). Data were collected using a questionnaire regarding nutritional assessment, which comprised medical history, food intake history, anthropometry, biochemical investigations, and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). Based on the SGA analysis of nutritional status, the patients were divided into Categories A, B, and C. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Results: A total of 50 subjects were included in the final analysis - 30 patients in the renal dialysis group and 20 patients in the CAPD group. Body Mass Index (BMI) was significantly higher in the HD group (21.78±2.86 kg/m2 ) than in the CAPD group (20.87±2.63 kg/m2 ). In the HD group, the majority were in Category B (60%). In the CAPD group, the majority were in Category B (70%). The mean anthropometric measurements were significantly higher in Category A, followed by B and C (p<0.001). There was no significant difference across groups in biochemical parameters, except for serum albumin levels, which were significant. Serum albumin levels were highest in Category A, followed by Category B, and Category C in reverse for S. Prealbumin (mg/dl). Conclusion: There is a significant number of ESRD patients who have malnutrition as an additional burden. These results suggest that low BMI and low calorie intake are harmful to ESRD patients on HD, causing severe malnutrition. Optimal calorie intake could reduce malnutrition in these patients.