NUTRITIONAL STATUS ASSESSMENT OF HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS AT REHMAN MEDICAL INSTITUTE PESHAWAR

A study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of hemodialysis patients visiting Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar. A total of 66 subjects from both sexes having mean age 49.61±15.28 years undergoing hemodialysis were enrolled for the study. Information regarding disease history and associated comorbidities were collected from patient’s files. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements using body mass index (BMI). The biochemical results including kidney profile, serum electrolytes and hemoglobin were recorded from the patient’s files. Dietary data was obtained by using 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire. The results indicated that age, familial predisposition, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease increased the risk for renal failure. Renal failure was more prevalent among male than in female. Actual intake of calories, protein, fats and minerals was lower than the recommended intake for hemodialysis patients. More than 50 percent of patient on hemodialysis were at risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition was related to low nutrient intake. This study suggests that assessment of nutritional status and nutritional management of hemodialysis patients play a central role in preventing malnutrition.