Multicenter Study to Validate a Hospitalization Risk Assessment Tool in Hemodialysis Patients

Introduction Protein-energy wasting is a prevalent condition in patients with chronic kidney disease. Our goal was to validate the risk assessment tool (Hashmi's tool) in multiple centers, developed in 2018, as it was easily applicable and cost-effective. Methods The following variables were scored as 0, 1, 2, or 3 as per severity: body mass index, HD vintage in years, functional capacity, serum albumin, serum ferritin, and the number of co-morbid conditions (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease). This scoring system was applied to maintenance hemodialysis patients in six different centers. The patient's record was evaluated for two years. Patients were divided into low-risk (score <6) and high-risk (score ≥6). We compared the two groups using the chi-square test for the difference in hospitalization and mortality. Results A total of 868 patients' records were analyzed, and the maximum score was 13 with the application of Hashmi's tool. Four hundred twenty-nine patients were in the low-risk group, and 439 patients fell into the high-risk group. Four hundred sixty-seven patients were male, and 401 were females; 84% had hypertension, and 54% had diabetes mellitus. In the high-risk group, we identified more females. Patients' likelihood of being in the high-risk group was higher if they had diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or ischemic heart disease. Hospitalization due to vascular or non-vascular etiologies was more common in the high-risk group (p=0.036 and p<0.001, respectively). A total of 123 patients died during the study period, 92 from the high-risk group as compared to 31 from the low-risk group. This was three times higher and statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion Using a simple and cost-effective tool, we have identified malnourished patients who are at risk of hospitalization and mortality. This study has validated the previous work at a single center, which has now been reflected in six dialysis units across Saudi Arabia.