Malnutrition is an important factor in the development of protein-energy malnutrition in patients on program hemodialysis: yes or no?

The development of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in patients on program hemodialysis is one of the pressing health problems. However, today there is no single point of view on the mechanisms of development of PEM in this cohort of patients.

Purpose. To evaluate the impact of malnutrition in the pathogenesis of PEM in patients receiving treatment with program hemodialysis.

Material and methods. The study involved 645 patients receiving treatment with program hemodialysis (300 men and 345 women).

Results. Signs of malnutrition were observed in 61 (9.5%) patients, including inadequate protein intake in 27 (4.19%), inadequate energy intake in the diet in 21 (3.26%), inadequate protein intake and inadequate energy intake in the diet – in 13 (2.02%). In patients with inadequate protein intake and inadequate energy supply in the diet, according to the food diary, statistically significantly lower values of the main indicators of nutritional status were revealed compared to the group of patients with adequate protein intake and energy supply in the diet.

Conclusion. Malnutrition remains one of the significant factors in the development of PEM in patients on hemodialysis.