Anthropometric norms for the dialysis population.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Anthropometry
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• Interpreting anthropometry in dialysis patients requires specific reference norms.
• Existing norms for healthy subjects may not accurately reflect the dialysis population.
• Developing tailored reference data is essential for accurate patient assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish reference anthropometric norms for chronic maintenance dialysis patients.
• To compare anthropometric measurements between dialysis patients and healthy populations.
• To identify differences in anthropometry based on dialysis modality and diabetic status.

Main Methods:

• Anthropometric measurements (triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold, mid-upper arm circumference) were collected from 925 dialysis patients.
• Data from 609 hemodialysis (HD) patients were compared with National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) II data.
• Diabetic and non-diabetic patients were analyzed separately; continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients were also assessed.

Main Results:

• Male HD patients (diabetic and non-diabetic) showed no significant difference from NHANES II data.
• Diabetic HD females generally aligned with NHANES II data, with an exception for black women over 55 regarding triceps skinfold.
• Non-diabetic HD females (black and white) had significantly lower measurements than NHANES II data; CAPD patients' measurements were similar to HD patients'.

Conclusions:

• Reference anthropometric norms for dialysis patients have been developed.
• Significant differences exist between dialysis patient subgroups and national healthy population data, particularly in non-diabetic females.
• These new norms are vital for accurate anthropometric assessment in individual dialysis patients.