The impact of malnutrition in morbidity and mortality in stable haemodialysis patients

Abstract

Protein-calorie malnutrition is frequent in haemodialysis patients. Fat depletion predominated in both sexes. Duration of dialysis and protein catabolic rate related to ideal body weight was the only predictor which could be influenced by a nutritional intervention. Morbidity appeared to be influenced by the comorbidity index and age was the strongest predictor of mortality. The only nutritional measurements predictive of morbidity and mortality were serum albumin and total lymphocyte count respectively. Therefore, the influence of malnutrition in morbidity and mortality can not be definitively stated.