Walking Disabilities and Nutritional Status in Long-Term Hemodialysis Patients

According to USRDS, walking disabilities (WD) are prevalent in the hemodialysis (HD) population and predict increased mortality in these patients. Malnutrition, also common in HD patients, confers similar morbidity and mortality risk. However, there have been no studies to determine whether WD are a cause or consequence of poor nutritional status in HD patients. This retrospective study investigates the relationship between acquired WD and nutritional status in HD patients.Medical records of HD patients who received treatments at our dialysis facility between July 1, 2004 and April 1, 2009, were screened for documentation of a WD. WD was defined as the use of a cane, walker, or wheelchair. Mean serum albumin levels from up to 6 months before and after the documented onset of the WD were compared using a paired t-test.Onset of WD was documented in 144 of 740 (20%) hemodialysis patients. Mean serum albumin levels before and after onset of WD were 3.77 + 0.37 and 3.71 + 0.47 g/dL, respectively, p=0.06.Serum albumin levels are low and tend to worsen in HD patients who develop WD. As a result, nutritional status is further compromised and mortality risk increased. Thus, patients with WD will require additional nutrition intervention. According to USRDS, walking disabilities (WD) are prevalent in the hemodialysis (HD) population and predict increased mortality in these patients. Malnutrition, also common in HD patients, confers similar morbidity and mortality risk. However, there have been no studies to determine whether WD are a cause or consequence of poor nutritional status in HD patients. This retrospective study investigates the relationship between acquired WD and nutritional status in HD patients. Medical records of HD patients who received treatments at our dialysis facility between July 1, 2004 and April 1, 2009, were screened for documentation of a WD. WD was defined as the use of a cane, walker, or wheelchair. Mean serum albumin levels from up to 6 months before and after the documented onset of the WD were compared using a paired t-test. Onset of WD was documented in 144 of 740 (20%) hemodialysis patients. Mean serum albumin levels before and after onset of WD were 3.77 + 0.37 and 3.71 + 0.47 g/dL, respectively, p=0.06. Serum albumin levels are low and tend to worsen in HD patients who develop WD. As a result, nutritional status is further compromised and mortality risk increased. Thus, patients with WD will require additional nutrition intervention.