Diagnosis of protein calorie malnutrition in diabetic patients on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis

Nutritional Assessment and Skeletal Muscle Function in Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

Nutritional status and skeletal muscle function were studied in 20 CAPD patients (12 men and eight women) who were randomly selected among a total population of 95 CAPD patients. Their ages ranged from 29 to 74 years -mean 59 -and they underwent CAPD for a period of one to 180 (mean 62.2 ± 53.3) weeks. Nutritional assessment included measurement of body anthropometry, serum albumin, transferrin, C3 and C4, lymphocyte counts, total body nitrogen -nitrogen index (NI) and total body potassium (TBK). Function of the adductor pollicis muscle was assessed by electrical stimulation of the ulnar nerve, obtaining the force of contraction at 10 Hz expressed as a per cent of the force at 100 Hz (F 10/F 100) and the maximal relaxation rate (MRR) expressed as % force loss/10 ms.

Seven of the 20 patients showed low nitrogen index (NI < 0.80), two had low transferrin levels «1.70 mg/dl) and one had very low albumin levels (26 g/l). There was no statistically significant difference between the NI of men (0.84 ± 0.11) and women (0.90 ± 0.14). TBK varied among the patients with a mean value of 89.9 ± 11.8 g for women and 123.8 ± 25.3 g for men. In all patients, the relative force of contraction of adductor pollicis muscle at low frequencies (F 10/F 100) was within normallimits as was the MRR, which showed a small decrease only in three patients.

The results indicate that, although when assessed by conventional nutritional parameters some CAPD patients showed subtle indices of malnutrition and a significant proportion (7/20) have a low nitrogen index, most have well-preserved skeletal muscle function.

When nutritional status is assessed by standard biochemical nutritional parameters, anthropometry or total body nitrogen (1-3), patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis or CAPD frequently show protein malnutrition. However the standard biochemical parameters may be altered in the presence of renal failure, independent of nutritional status. Thus depressed concentrations of several serum proteins and variations in anthropometric measurements may reflect changes in fluid status rather than gains or losses in body mass (4). In addition certain anthropometric and biochemical measurements of nutritional status are abnormal in chronically uremic patients, who appear to be particularly robust (5). Moreover, although TBK and TBN have been used as more accurate indices of the lean body mass and the protein content respectively, it is not always easy to interpret these measurements (6). Hence at present it is uncertain how well we can translate indices of standard nutritional assessment into the global concept of the general well being.

Recently, several workers have shown that changes in skeletal muscle function provide more sensitive indices of nutritional deprivation, than conventional nutritional parameters (7,8,9). Since previous work showed that uremia does not seem to influence skeletal muscle function (10), we decided to study the relationship between conventional nutritional parameters and skeletal muscle function in 20 randomly selected CAPD patients.

Underdiagnosis of diabetes mellitus in chronic dialysis patients on the renal transplant waiting list

In diabetic patients long-term patient and graft survival after renal transplantation is reduced compared to nondiabetic graft recipients. Incidence and prevalence of diabetic patients on dialysis is rising continuously; however, there is a surprisingly low prevalence of patients with known diabetes mellitus on our local renal transplant waiting list. In a retrospective study we clarified the underestimation of diabetic dialysis patients on the transplant waiting list. Our local waiting list includes 46 diabetic patients among 377 (12.2%) candidates. Nine patients had type 1 diabetes and 37 type 2 diabetes. Surprisingly, only 20 of 37 patients (ie, 54%) were initially (at the time of wait-listing) classified as (type 2 diabetes mellitus). Primary renal disease in these 17 diabetic patients was classified in only eight patients, whereas the remaining nine were considered as chronic glomerulonephritis (not biopsy-proven and diabetic nephropathy not excluded). We conclude that among uremic patients on the renal transplant waiting list, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and the number of patients with diabetic nephropathy are notably underdiagnosed.

Serum prealbumin is higher in peritoneal dialysis than in hemodialysis: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although not widely appreciated, the reported concentration of serum prealbumin, like that of serum cholesterol, tends to be higher in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) than on hemodialysis (HD), despite the substantial loss of protein during PD.

METHODS

The mean difference in serum prealbumin was quantified by meta-analysis of the mean differences found in six cohorts with both PD and HD patients (set 1; N = 639) using a fixed-effects model, and meta-analysis of the mean prealbumin values reported in 23 cohorts of unselected dialysis patients on a single modality (set 2; 9 PD cohorts, 14 HD cohorts; N = 12,256) using a mixed model. For comparison, the mean difference in serum albumin concentration between PD and HD also was estimated in sets 1 and 2 using the same methods.

RESULTS

In set 1, the mean prealbumin difference (PD-HD) in the individual cohorts ranged from 3.6 to 14.7 mg/dL (P < 0.05 in five cohorts), and the weighted mean difference was 5.4 mg/dL (95% CI, 3.8 to 7.0 mg/dL). In set 2, weighted mean prealbumin was 8.1 mg/dL (95% CI, 5.2 to 10.9 mg/dL) higher in PD than in HD in the entire data set, and 6.9 mg/dL (95% CI, 5.2 to 8.6 mg/dL) higher in a sensitivity analysis that excluded two outlying HD studies. By contrast, weighted mean serum albumin concentration was significantly lower in PD than in HD in both sets 1 and 2; the mean difference was 0.25 g/dL (95% CI, 0.14 to 0.36 g/dL) in set 1 and 0.28 g/dL (95% CI, 0.14 to 0.42 g/dL) in set 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum prealbumin level is approximately 6 mg/dL higher in PD than HD, perhaps due to the stimulation of hepatic synthesis by PD albumin loss, while serum albumin is approximately 0.3 g/dL lower in PD. Different reference ranges and clinical targets (such as, K/DOQI guidelines) are needed for PD and for HD.

Changes in body fat mass in male hemodialysis patients: a comparison between diabetics and nondiabetics

Nutritional status is an important factor that affects morbidity and mortality of hemodialysis patients. We investigated 1-year changes in body fat mass of male patients undergoing hemodialysis (duration, 4.9 +/- 2.5 years). Fat mass of 217 male patients (age 60 +/- 13 years) was measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry twice in a 1-year interval. The patients consisted of 70 with diabetes mellitus and 147 without diabetes. At the second measurement compared with the first, a significant decrease in fat mass was observed in diabetic patients (12.1 +/- 4.4 kg versus 11.0 +/- 4.7 kg; P < 0.01); there were no significant changes in fat mass in nondiabetic patients (12.2 +/- 5.0 kg versus 11.9 +/- 4.9 kg; P = 0.15). Significant differences in percent fat mass changes per year were seen between diabetic and nondiabetic patients (P < 0.05). Protein catabolic rates of diabetic patients were significantly lower than those of nondiabetic patients (0.86 +/- 0.18 g/kg/d versus 0.93 +/- 0.19 g/kg/d; P < 0.05). In all patients, there was a significant correlation between protein catabolic rates and percent fat mass changes per year (r = 0.15; P < 0.05). These results showed that body fat mass was decreased significantly in 1 year in male diabetic patients with maintenance hemodialysis, suggesting poorer nutritional status in these patients. Poor protein intake may be one of the risk factors for the decrease in fat mass. Dual x-ray absorptiometry assessment of fat mass changes is suggested as a useful method to examine clinically the nutritional status of hemodialysis patients.

Peritoneal dialysis in diabetic patients

Diabetes mellitus is the fastest growing cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and has become the leading cause of such ESRD worldwide. In the United States, between 1984 and 1997, the proportion of new patients starting renal replacement therapies whose ESRD was caused by diabetes increased from 27% to 44.4%. Canada saw an increase from 16.5% in 1984 to 28.9% in 1997, and many European countries had similar increases. Among the modes of renal replacement, many clinicians have favored continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for the treatment of diabetic ESRD for several reasons. Many studies have compared clinical outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing CAPD, and nondiabetic patients undergoing CAPD, or diabetic patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) and those undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, only a small number of diabetic dialysis patients have been followed up for more than 5 years, largely because of the presence of several comorbid conditions at the start of dialysis and the coexistence of far-advanced target-organ damage at dialysis initiation and its progression during the course of dialysis. Diabetic patients undergoing PD and HD probably have similar survival, and those undergoing CAPD have lower survival and technique success rates than nondiabetic patients of comparable age. This article reviews the literature and our experience with diabetic patients undergoing PD and compares clinical outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing PD and HD.

Laboratory support of the clinical nutrition service

This article critically reviews the role of the laboratory services in assessment, monitoring and management of complications in patients requiring nutritional support. It has broadly been divided into three sections. (i) Assessment of protein and energy status: whilst it is stressed that clinical judgement and anthropometric measurements are the most effective methods of evaluation of nutritional requirements, laboratory tests which can be of use in assessment of protein energy status are discussed in detail, including an appraisal of the value of each test in various clinical situations. (ii) Assessment of micronutrient and electrolyte status: the clinical justification for assessment of the various micronutrients and electrolytes is considered. A few selected examples are discussed in detail including an evaluation of the tests of status available and examples of situations where measurement may be clinically helpful. (iii) Effective use of the laboratory: this section attempts to guide the clinician in the most appropriate use of laboratory tests, firstly in the assessment of requirement for aspects of nutritional support, secondly in the continued monitoring and evaluation of the support provided, and thirdly in prevention and treatment of metabolic complications. It is emphasised that clinical nutrition is a multidisciplinary topic requiring input from the laboratory in conjunction with other specialities to provide the best available patient care.

International Federation of Clinical Chemistry. Laboratory assessment of protein-energy status

Laboratory and non-laboratory methods for assessing protein-energy nutritional status are reviewed. These are classified into methods for assessing adequacy of recent nutritional intake, methods for assessing whole body status, and tests which assist in the interpretation of these assessments. Each measurement is critically discussed in terms of the rationale for its use, the method of analysis, reference values, technical interference and limitations of methods, the effects of nutritional status and of other factors on the results, its overall usefulness in nutritional assessment, and its value relative to other methods. Non-laboratory tests such as dietary assessment, indirect calorimetry, functional tests and the many methods available for assessment of body composition, including anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance and isotope and imaging techniques, are compared with the clinical chemistry tests in common use, such as nitrogen balance, plasma protein measurements and urinary markers of muscle metabolism. This review provides comprehensive and practical advice on the use and limitations of these tests in the assessment of protein-energy nutritional status of a group, or of an individual patient.

Increased infection rate in diabetic dialysis patients exposed to cocaine

Three hundred ninety-seven insulin-dependent diabetic dialysis patients were screened by nursing staff for analgesic-seeking behavior. Thirty-eight patients were identified and classified as prescription abusers (n = 26) or illicit drug users (n = 12). The nine cocaine users, when compared with 14 insulin-dependent diabetics on dialysis matched by protocol, were found to be similar in terms of diabetic retinopathy and metabolic neuropathy. Although statistically not significant, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular complications were more common in the study group. Gastroenteropathy with malnutrition was more common the study group (P less than 0.025). Infection rate and severity were markedly worse in the cocaine group: bacterial cellulitis, sepsis, and abscess each increased greater than fourfold. All the visceral infections were in the cocaine-using group. Hepatitis viral antigen and antibody was increased 10-fold in the cocaine users. Recommendations for management of dialysis patients with analgesic-seeking behavior are formulated in light of these findings.

Malnutrition in hemodialysis patients

Twenty-nine hemodialysis patients were studied to evaluate different laboratory measures in assessing muscle protein stores and detecting protein malnutrition. Arm muscle circumference (AMC) was used as a reference for somatic protein stores. AMC correlated with serum complement C3, plasma histidine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine and threonine concentrations as well as with body mass index. The lowest quartile of AMC was found most reliably by measuring plasma methionine, histidine, leucine and isoleucine concentrations. Protein malnutrition was detected in five patients (17%). They had significantly lower serum prealbumin and plasma leucine concentrations than the others. In the follow-up of 3 years every malnourished patient died, three from septic infection. Of the others only seven died, none from infection. The analysis of plasma essential amino acid and serum prealbumin concentrations had an important role in assessing muscle protein stores as well as the protein nutrition status in hemodialysis patients. Patients with malnutrition should be detected in view of their unfavourable prognosis.

Total-body nitrogen by neutron activation in maintenance dialysis

The nutritional status of 35 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was assessed by the traditional methods of dietary history and anthropometric measurements, and was compared with simultaneous measurements of dietary protein intake (DPI) calculated from urea generation rate and total-body nitrogen (TBN) assessment by prompt neutron activation analysis (PNAA). DPI as determined by dietary recall was significantly higher than calculated DPI (1.04 +/- 0.42 v 0.84 +/- 0.28 g/kg/d; P less than 0.001). Anthropometric measurements did not differ significantly from the predicted normal values for sex, height, and age. However, PNAA measurements of TBN demonstrated significant nitrogen depletion, being 88.2% of normal for males (P less than 0.001) and 87.5% of normal for females (P less than 0.002); TBN correlated significantly with DPI calculated from urea generation rate (P less than 0.05). Assessment of these 35 patients 17.5 +/- 4.4 months later, demonstrated that patients who died or suffered serious morbidity requiring transfer from CAPD (n = 10) had significantly lower TBN than those who remained on CAPD or underwent successful renal transplantation (n = 25): 80.0% v 93.2% of normal (P less than 0.01). No difference in anthropometric measurements was observed between the two groups of patients. Eleven patients on maintenance home or satellite hemodialysis underwent identical dietary, anthropometric, and TBN assessments and results were similar to those obtained in the CAPD population, although no correlation with calculated DPI and TBN was observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Overview of gastrointestinal disorders due to diabetes mellitus: emphasis on nutritional support

Gastrointestinal disorders associated with diabetes mellitus have a prevalence rate of 30 to 75%. The most prominent disorders are gastroparesis, diarrhea, and constipation. Severity of symptoms range from mild to severe with the most affected patients being at risk for the development of protein calorie malnutrition. An historical review of the major studies which defined the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and prevalence of these disorders is presented. Guidelines for accurate nutritional assessment, which is essential to the decision to initiate nutritional therapy in this difficult to assess population, are also included. Current methods devised for treatment of diabetic gastroparesis and related disorders are presented. Emphasis is placed on recent developments in nutritional support techniques which make it possible to meet the energy requirements of all such patients. Practical outlines for glucose control in patients receiving TPN or enteral feeding and guidelines for transitioning from parenteral feeding to an oral diet are also presented.

Total parenteral nutrition in patients with insulin-requiring diabetes mellitus

The clinical course of 24 patients with insulin-requiring diabetes mellitus who had received total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was retrospectively analyzed. Routine nutritional assessment disclosed significant depression of anthropometric indices and secretory protein levels in patients with chronic renal failure complicating juvenile onset diabetes mellitus (JODM). Biochemical complications including hypo- or hyperglycemia were significantly more frequent (p less than 0.001) in JODM than in maturity-onset diabetes and found to a lesser degree in patients with renal failure. The catheter infection rate was substantially higher (17%) than usually encountered in TPN therapy. Positive nitrogen balance was achieved in the majority of patients with an average 84% and 92% of estimated protein and caloric requirements being provided. Close monitoring and a protocol of infusion plus supplemental subcutaneous regular insulin was useful in providing adequate TPN safely to these high-risk patients.