Malnutrition Inflammation Score Is Comparable To Subjective Global Assessment As A Nutritional Assessment Tool For Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Abstract

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in dialysis patients. Appropriate assessment tools are key for its prevention and treatment. This study aimed to provide information regarding the Malnutrition Inflammation score (MIS) as a nutritional assessment tool in Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) patients by analysing relationships with other standard measures of nutritional status, and comparing them with the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). The study also aimed to provide information regarding the nutritional status of a cohort of Australian PD patients, which is lacking in current literature. Ninety stable PD patients received a nutritional assessment over a period of 6 months. Nutritional status was assessed by MIS, SGA, serum albumin, c-reactive protein (CRP), body mass index (BMI), mid arm muscle circumference (MAMC), and a 24-hour recall to measure energy and protein intake. Estimated glucose absorption from the dialysate was also included. Correlations between MIS, SGA and the other measures of nutritional status were analysed (using Spearman’s analysis, SPSS, v 17.0) and compared. Thirty seven percent of the study group was considered to be malnourished according to SGA score. The median MIS score was 5.0 (2.5–7.5). MIS and SGA were both inversely correlated with energy intake (p=0.002, p=0.001 respectively), serum albumin (p<0.001, p<0.001 respectively), BMI (p=0.002, p=0.006 respectively) and MAMC (p=0.001, p=0.008 respectively).In conclusion, the MIS was comparable to the SGA when correlated with standard markers of nutritional assessment. The results indicate that the MIS is a useful nutritional assessment tool for PD patients. The study also showed that 37% of patients were malnourished, providing information regarding the nutritional status of Australian PD patients.