Nutritional Assessment of Patients on Twice Weekly Maintenance Hemodialysis

Objective: To assess the magnitude of malnutrition in hemodialysis patients in Pakistan and identify contributing factors in order to facilitate timely interventions and improve their quality of life. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the nephrology inpatient department of Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi from April to September 2021. The study included patients aged 15–60 years, of both genders, who had been on maintenance hemodialysis twice weekly for at least six months. Data was collected by structured performa, which included patients’ demographic details, including age, gender, level of education, and daily income; the cause and duration of CKD; duration and frequency of haemodialysis Malnutrition was assessed using the Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS) and categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Results: Out of the 107 enrolled patients, 90 were included in the analysis. The study revealed that only one-third of the patients had normal nutritional status, while the rest exhibited varying degrees of malnutrition. Severe malnutrition was observed in 20% of the hemodialysis population. Female gender, lower education level, and lower income were strongly associated with severe malnutrition. Conclusion: The study highlights the need to improve literacy, raise awareness about chronic kidney disease (CKD), and enhance the financial status of hemodialysis patients. These interventions can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life in this population. The findings emphasize the importance of identifying high-risk patients early on and implementing appropriate interventions to improve nutritional status and overall well-being.