PREVALENCE OF COMPROMISED NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN HOSPITALISED PATIENTS WITH ACUTE AND CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE

Abstract

Restrictive renal diet (low protein, low potassium, low phosphate and low salt) is frequently ordered for patients with acute and chronic renal failure. This is however not necessary for all renal patients, who are at risk of compromised nutrition. Nutritional status of 60 patients (35 males, 25 females; mean age: 67±17; mean BMI: 23.4±4.6 kg/m2) with renal failure was assessed using the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). 53%, 45% and 2% of patients were classified as well nourished, mild-moderately malnourished and severely malnourished respectively. SGA ratings had the strongest correlation with serum albumin (r=−0.226, p=0.082) compared with age (r=0.153, p=0.243), BMI (r=−0.204, p=0.139) and eGFR (r=−0.055, p=0.679). Patients with acute and chronic renal failure were equally likely to have compromised nutritional status. Similarly there was no difference in nutritional status between patients with and without dialysis (p=0.498). In conclusion, the prevalence of compromised nutritional status in hospitalized renal patients was high at 47%. Dietetic intervention is necessary to prevent further decline in nutritional status of this group of patients. Dietary restrictions should be personalized and based on biochemical profile.