| Theme | Emaciation in Chronic Dialysis Patients | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | How should nutritional status be evaluated in dialysis patients? | |
| Publish Date | 2000/04 | |
| Author | Teiryo Maeda | Maeda Institute of Renal Resarch |
| Author | Ayako Hokama | Maeda Institute of Renal Resarch |
| Author | Fumiko Fukuuchi | Maeda Institute of Renal Resarch |
| Author | Setsuko Aoyama | Maeda Institute of Renal Resarch |
| Author | Takanori Mizunuma | Maeda Institute of Renal Resarch |
| [ Summary ] | Generally, the word emaciation means low body weight is associated with malnutriton. However, there are exceptions, such as healthy persons who are lean but not suffering from malnutrition, like a professional sportsperson. Also among dialysis patients, there are many who lean and seem to be malnutritished but stay highly active without ill effects. In this means, ADL (activities of daily living) is concerned with nutritional status. It is important for clinicians to diagnose malnutrition at an early stage and apply the adequate therapy. To assess the early stages of nutritional disturbances, we formulated "The total nutritional assessment scale". The assessment of ADL was added into this scale. The assessment of nutritonal status was performed using this scale. The highest scoring group from this scale showed better results in their blood chemistries than the lowest scoring group. The total nutritional assessment scale is an effective method to evaluate nutritional status. The addition of the ADL assessment is useful in knowing the ability for activity and social functionality of patients. Through this method, we can find an individual approach to successful nutritional intervention. |
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