Evaluation of nutritional status of hemodialysis patients by hand grip strength

Malnutrition (MN) is a typical complication among hemodialysis patients which is associated with morbidity and mortality rates. This cross-sectional study investigated different indices in detecting MN in hemodialysis patients.

MN assessment was performed using subjective [Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and Dialysis Malnutrition Score (DMS)] and objective techniques [Hand Grip Strength (HGS)] on patients undergoing hemodialysis 3 times a week in Semnan Province (Iran). SGA and DMS were evaluated by their specific check-lists and HGS analysis was performed using a handgrip dynamometer. The dietary intake of hemodialysis patients was determined using a 4-day dietary recall. Moreover, 4 ml blood sample was obtained from each patient to measure serum biochemical parameters.

Amongst 116 enrolled patients, 61 were male and 55 were female. The total prevalence of MN in terms of SGA, DMS, and HGS was 74.2, 58.6, and 63% respectively. Moreover, the association of SGA with age and of DMS with age, gender, and time of hemodialysis were shown. For HGS, not only these factors but also biochemical parameters showed a relationship. This index was associated with serum Albumin and inflammatory marker, hsCRP.

Simple and easily accessible tools like handheld dynamometers can verify to be a good nutrition assessment technique for hemodialysis patients in combination with SGA or DMS.