Correlation of Body Composition Analysis with Anthropometric Measurements in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates correlations between different methods for diagnosis of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Methods: Twenty four patients were included. Patients with amputations, infections, peritonitis, malignancies and PD duration less than three months were excluded. Physical examination findings, laboratory results and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Body composition analysis was performed with multi-frequency bioimpedance analyzer. Dialysis malnutrition score (DMS) was calculated. The correlations of different parameters were searched.

Results: Eleven patients were female and 13 patients were male. Mean age was 58.9±12.6 years. Median dialysis duration was 25 (interquartile range: 14) months. Protein percentage was negatively correlated with fat percentage (r=-0.785; p<0.001), triceps skinfold thickness (SFT) (r=-0.641; p<0.001), biceps SFT (r=-0.685; p<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (r=-0.867; p<0.001), mid-arm circumference (r=-0.680; p=0.001). Fat percentage was positively correlated with BMI (r=0.780; p<0.001), biceps SFT (r=0.817; p<0.001), triceps SFT (r=0.901; p<0.001) and mid-arm circumference (r=0.558; p=0.005) Albumin was negatively correlated with DMS (r= -0.439; p=0.032). DMS and albumin were not correlated with bioimpedance and anthropometry

Conclusion: Albumin is a marker of PEM in PD patients. Malnutrition scores may be used as adjunct methods. Increase in fat mass and percentage may influence the interpretation of anthropometric measurements.