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1997 Peritoneal Dialysis-Core Indicators Study: Dialysis Adequacy and Nutritional Indicators Report
M J Flanigan1, M V Rocco, D Frankenfield
1Quality Measurement and Health Assessment Group, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA. mjf@inav.net
Summary
This study found that serum albumin in U.S. peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients poorly reflects nutritional status and is inversely related to dialysis intensity. Many PD patients may have marginal nutritional status despite adequate dialysis delivery.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Public Health
Background:
- Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a key treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
- Assessing nutritional status in PD patients is crucial for treatment outcomes.
- Previous studies indicate potential challenges in accurately measuring nutritional markers in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current status of dialysis adequacy and nutritional indicators in adult PD patients in the United States.
- To examine the correlation between serum albumin levels and other nutritional markers and dialysis adequacy parameters.
- To identify the prevalence of marginal nutritional status among US PD patients.
Main Methods:
- A national random sample of adult PD patients in the US ESRD program was surveyed.
- Data collected included patient demographics, dialysis prescriptions (Kt/Vurea, creatinine clearance), and biochemical markers (serum albumin, nPNA, nCAR).
- Statistical analysis was performed to assess correlations between variables.
Main Results:
- Adult PD patients had a mean BMI of 27, weekly Kt/Vurea of 2.45, and weekly creatinine clearance of 65.5 L/wk/1.73m2.
- Serum albumin (mean 3.5 g/dL) showed poor correlation with nutritional markers (nPNA, nCAR) and BMI, and a negative correlation with dialysis adequacy (wCrCl).
- 30% to 50% of PD patients exhibited values suggesting marginal nutritional status, despite adequate dialysis delivery up to certain thresholds.
Conclusions:
- Serum albumin is an unreliable indicator of nutritional status in US PD patients.
- Nutritional markers like nPNA and nCAR correlate with dialysis delivery but suggest suboptimal nutrition in a significant patient subset.
- Clinical practice should consider multiple markers beyond serum albumin to assess and manage nutritional status in PD patients.