Saqib Javid,
Ibtesam Nazir Khan,
- Student, Department of Dialysis Technology, Rayat Bahra University, Kharar, Punjab, India
- Assistant Professor, Department of Dialysis Technology, Rayat Bahra University, Kharar, Punjab, India
Abstract
Malnutrition is a common and serious complication among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) and is strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The present study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of patients on maintenance hemodialysis and to identify factors contributing to protein-energy malnutrition in this population. A cross-sectional and follow-up assessment was carried out among patients receiving regular hemodialysis at a dialysis center. Nutritional status was evaluated using a combination of dietary assessment, anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, and clinical indicators. Dietary intake was assessed through structured dietary interviews and food diaries to estimate energy and protein consumption. Anthropometric measurements, including body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, skinfold thickness, and mid-arm muscle area, were used to evaluate body composition. Biochemical parameters such as hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, serum albumin, and total protein were analyzed to assess metabolic and nutritional status. The findings revealed that a majority of patients failed to meet the recommended dietary energy and protein requirements. Anthropometric indicators demonstrated varying degrees of muscle and fat depletion, reflecting protein-energy malnutrition. Hypoalbuminemia was significantly associated with inadequate dietary intake, emphasizing the need for sufficient energy and protein consumption. Statistically significant improvements were observed in hemoglobin levels and blood urea nitrogen during follow-up. Serum albumin and total protein showed a highly significant association between baseline and follow-up assessments, confirming their utility as nutritional markers. The study concludes that malnutrition remains highly prevalent among maintenance hemodialysis patients. Regular nutritional assessment and timely dietary intervention are essential to prevent protein-energy malnutrition and to improve clinical outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Keywords: Maintenance Hemodialysis, Protein-Energy Malnutrition, Nutritional Assessment, Serum Albumin, Dietary Intake
[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : A Journal of Life Sciences ]
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Research and Reviews : A Journal of Life Sciences
| Volume | 15 | |
| Issue | 03 | |
| Received | 22/11/2025 | |
| Accepted | 18/12/2025 | |
| Published | 19/12/2025 | |
| Publication Time | 27 Days |