Prevalence of malnutrition in chronic kidney disease: A study of patients in a tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Background: The nutritional status of patients with chronic kidney disease is an important determinant of the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Materials and Methods: We studied the baseline nutritional status of 62 patients with chronic kidney disease using several parameters. Nutritional status was assessed using Subjective global assessment (SGA), weight change over six months of follow up, body mass index (BMI), triceps skin fold thickness (TSF), mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and serum albumin. Data obtained was analyzed using EPIINFO version 6.04. Nutritional status of patients on haemodialysis was compared with those who are yet to commence haemodialysis. Results: Malnutrition was observed in 54.8% of the patients studied based on SGA criteria, 41.9% based on weight loss over six months, 48.4% based on MUAC, 17.7% based on BMI, 85.5% based on TSF, 24.2% based on serum albumin and 69.4% based on two or more criteria. The prevalence of malnutrition in patients who have commenced haemodialysis was significantly higher when assessed using weight change over 6 months. The incidence of malnutrition in our patients with chronic kidney disease is high, especially in patients on haemodialysis. Conclusions: Efforts at detecting early malnutrition, as well as correcting factors associated with it are recommended.