Interaction between lean, fat and bone masses among patients with chronic kidney disease; a cross-sectional comparative study

Introduction: Interactions between three major body compartments; lean, fat and bone masses are essential for the maintenance of optimum bodily functions. This interaction is disturbed by factors such as advancing age, disease and drugs. The aim of the study was to understand the interaction of body compartments in chronic kidney disease (CKD) to optimise disease outcome. Methods: Fifty patients (38 males) with CKD awaiting kidney transplant at Teaching Hospitals, Karapitiya and Kandy and 50 age and gender matched control subjects were compared. Socio-demographic data, social habits and anthropometric measurements with blood pressure was obtained. Both patients and controls underwent DEXA scan to assess body composition. Results: Mean (SD) age of the patients was 48(9.6) years. In both groups; patients with CKD and participants in the control group, total body lean mass (TBLM) showed significant correlations with total body bone mineral density (TBBMD) (patients: r = 0.38, p = 0.008) (controls: r = 0.57, p = Conclusions: Similar to participants in the control group, TBLM is a better predictor of TBBMC and TBBMD compared to TBFM and TRFM in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and this knowledge can be used in health promotion programs to improve bone health of these patients.