Introduction:
Frailty and protein energy wasting (PEW) in non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD) patients are associated with impaired physical performance, disability, poorer quality of life, and reduced survival. We conducted a study to assess the occurrence of PEW among the NDD-CKD patients using the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) criteria and to study the association between PEW and frailty among the NDD-CKD patients.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study where 96 patients of NDD-CKD Stages I-IV aged between 18-65 years were recruited and divided into three predefined subgroups of CKD based on eGFRcr calculated by CKD EPI equations. History taking and clinical examination was performed. Demographic and socioeconomic data were recorded. Frailty assessment was done using the modified Fried's criteria. These patients were then followed at 6 months from the time of recruitment for assessment of PEW using ISRNM criteria. The data was entered into computer based spread-sheet and analysed using SPSS version 20.0
Results:
The study population included 56 females and 40 males with mean age of 47.6±13.3 years. The occurrence of PEW was noted to be 59.4%. The proportion of PEW in CKD group 1, 2 and 3 was 59.4%, 58.1% and 60.6% respectively. The occurrence of frailty was observed to be 30.2%. A significant association between PEW and frailty was not seen however a higher proportion of PEW was seen NDD-CKD patients who were frail. A significant association of frailty with age, education status, and groups of CKD and of PEW with education status and Prasad's socioeconomic status were observed.
Conclusions:
PEW and frailty have a significant effect on CKD patients. The occurrence of PEW in NDD-CKD is high and the proportion is almost similar among different stages. PEW is more common in CKD patients with frailty. Prompt identification and management of both PEW and frailty can improve clinical outcomes.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.