Nutritional profile and inflammatory status of stable chronic haemodialysis patients at Nephrology Department, Military Hospital Rawalpindi

Protein-energy malnutrition [PEM] is common in the haemodialysis population. Identification and management of these patients can result in significant reduction in morbidity and mortality. Aim of the study was to find the prevalence of PEM in otherwise stable haemodialysis patients at Military Hospital Rawalpindi at a single point in time with the help of established biochemical and physical markers. Height, dry weight and body mass index [BMI] were recorded for 64, stable, 14-75 year-old patients who were on haemodialysis for >/= 3 months. Blood samples were drawn [pre-dialysis] for complete blood count, serum C-reactive protein, serum total protein, serum albumin and serum Creatinine. Ideal body weights and BMI were obtained from Pakistan Army Selection and Recruitment standards. Out of 64 patients 43 [67%] were males. Mean age was 44.5 +/- 14.3 yr. Mean haemoglobin was 8.84 +/- 2 g/dl. Fifty-seven patients [89%] had haemoglobin