Chronic hemodialysis undernutrition: prevalence and associated factors

Kerbi Boughazi, Djaouida; Benkhalef, Mohamed; Boucherit Benarab, Yasmina Raphael

Batna Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume 10, Numéro 1, Pages 91-97
2026-02-02

Chronic Hemodialysis Undernutrition: Prevalence And Associated Factors

Authors : Kerbi Boughazi Djaouida . Benkhalef Mohamed . Boucherit Benarab Yasmina Raphael .

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease involves many factors that contribute to altered nutritional status, protein malnutrition-energy (PEM) is one of the main factors that negatively affect the prognosis of these patients and its prevalence varies according to the method used for diagnosis.The objective of this study is to investigate malnutrition in patients with kiney disease chronic. Materials and methods: The study is a descriptive, cross-sectional non-interventional study whose objective was an assessment of nutritional evaluation of adult chronic end-stage renal failure patients aged 18 and 65 years or less, both male and female, included dietary surveys, clinical examinations and biochemical examinations. This work was performed at the hemodialysis unit of the nephrology-hemodialysis and transplantation department, Ibn Sina CHU Annaba hospital, between October 2016 and January 2017, all patients answered a questionnaire, benefited from a clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, biochemical serum assays, and participated in the assessment of nutritional intakes. The diagnosis of undernutrition was based on two scores: the Quetelet index and the Subject Global Assessment (SGA). Results: In total 74 patients were selected, the prevalence of overall malnutrition was 16.2% according to the Quetelet index and 28.4% according to the SGA score. The mean protein-energy intake was insufficient with an average of 23.64±28.77 kcal/kg dry weight in day and 0.87±0.30 g protein/kg dry weight/d. Conclusion: Chronic kidney failure is a high risk of undernutrition, hence the need for systematic assessment with a specialized nutritional approach and regular psychological support to better adapt therapeutic diet to their health status.