Low handgrip strength is associated with worse functional capacity and inflammation in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Abstract Objective To evaluate the association among handgrip strength (HGS) with body composition, functional capacity, muscle quality, and inflammatory markers in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Research Methods & Procedures This is a cross-sectional study comprised by patients on MHD. HGS was measured by hydraulic dynamometer on the upper limb without fistula. Patients were stratified into low or adequate HGS, based on population-specific cutoff points. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and functional capacity by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and timed up and go (TUG) tests. In addition, serum creatinine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumoral necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) were measured before the dialysis session. Results A total of 67 patients (58.2% male, aged 54.1 ± 11.7 years) were included. Those with low HGS had worse functional capacity when compared with those with adequate HGS (TUG: 10.7 ± 1.0 vs 8.5 ± 0.8 sec, p Conclusions Participants with low HGS showed higher inflammation and lower functional capacity. In addition to muscle mass, inflammation and nutritional status also affect HGS.