| Theme |
New Nutritional Assesment for Dialysis Patients |
| Title |
Clinical significance of and methods for nutritional assessment in dialysis patients |
| Author |
Eiji Ishimura |
Department of Nephrology, Osaka City University, Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yasurou Kumeta |
Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Moleculer Medicine, Osaka City University, Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Tetsuo Shoji |
Meijibashi Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
The nutritional status of hemodialysis patients is worse than that of healthy subjects. The most important cause of poor nutrition is decreased food intake, inducing protein-energy malnutrition. Recently, a close relationship between malnutrition, chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis has been reported(MIA syndrome). Elevated CRP and IL-6 has been reported to be correlated with malnutrition and the poorer survival of these patients. The evaluation of nutritional status is very important. Out of several parameters, routine blood chemistry analysis, in combination with physical examinations, is the most important tool for evaluation of nutritional status. Although new methods for nutritional assessment need to be developed, interviews by expert dieticians concerning food intake are a very important and feasible method to consider not only the causes of malnutrition but also measures to improve nutritional status. |