Body shape index and mortality in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Objective The relationship between various anthropometric parameters and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients is conflicting. Recently a new anthropometric parameter emerged, namely, body shape index (BSI). BSI is based on waist circumference (WC) but is independent of height, weight, and body mass index in predicting mortality in the general population. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between BSI and mortality in HD patients. Methods This retrospective study evaluated the demographic characteristics and anthropometric measures including BSI, laboratory parameters, and mortality data in HD patients in a single center. Results There were 142 HD patients enrolled in the study. The median BSI was 0.0816. Because no normal value was defined for BSI, the patients were divided into two groups based on the median BSI: group 1 BSI 0.0816. During an average follow-up period of 40.1 ± 19.2 mo (range 12–88 mo), 36 (25.4%) patients had died. The Cox regression analysis of independence showed that increased age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.077, 95% confidence interval [CI],1.031–1.125; P = 0.001), presence of diabetes (HR, 2.855, 95% CI, 1.258–6.481; P = 0.012), hemoglobin (HR, 0.629, 95% CI, 0.452–0.875; P = 0.006), and albumin (HR, 0.442, 95% CI, 0.204–0.955; P = 0.038) were independently related with mortality. None of the anthropometric parameters including BSI were related with mortality. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that there were no differences with respect to mortality among patients in group 1 and group 2 based on median BSI ( P = 0.332, log-rank test). Conclusion In conclusion, BSI is not independently associated with mortality in HD patients.