The Prevalence of Malnutrition in Patients having Chronic Kidney Disease at A Tertiary Care Center in Karachi Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease and associated malnutrition is major health problem in developing countries like Pakistan. CKD patient have been related with body wasting and malnutrition. In this study we assess the prevalence of Malnutrition in chronic kidney disease patients. Objective: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with chronic kidney disease. Study Design: The type of study is a cross-sectional study. Settings: Dialysis and kidney care center in Karachi-Pakistan. Duration: 6 months from December 2017 to May 2018. Methodology: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were included and patients with severe comorbid conditions were excluded from the study. Diagnosis of CKD was made via detailed history and clinical examination and relevant laboratory investigations. Patients were classified into 3 SGA grades. Data was collected in a pre-designed proforma. Results: 150 patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 58.4 ± 5.86 years. There were n= 93 (62%) males and n= 57 (38%) females. The frequency of malnutrition was n= 63 (42%) were moderately malnourished and n= 32 (21.33%) were severely malnourished. None of the patients under the age of 50 years showed signs of malnutrition. The most common etiology for CKD was diabetes mellitus in n= 75 (50%). The mean BMI of 27.6 ± 5.1 kg/m2, Triceps skin fold thickness was 18.2 ± 7.1 mm and a mean mid upper arm circumference of 23.2 ± 3.9 mm2 respectively. Chi-square test shows a significant association between the incidence of malnutrition and undialysed patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. Having a p-value of <0.001. Conclusion: The frequency of malnutrition in undialyzed patients with CKD was very high, mild to moderate malnutrition was more prevalent than severe malnutrition.