Determination of nutritional status and protein-energy wasting in patients with diabetic nephropathy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the nutritional status of patients with stage 3 and 4 diabetic nephropathy (DN; DN-3 and DN-4) and to explain the effect of DN stages on the prognosis of protein-energy wasting (PEW). METHODS: Data from demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, biochemical findings, food consumption records, and the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) screening tool of 49 patients (25 DN-3; 24 DN-4) who were followed at the nephrology department were collected. The criteria of the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) were used to determine PEW. RESULTS: 56% of DN-3 and 66.7% of DN-4 have been diagnosed with diabetes for over 15 years. The groups differed in total body weight, body-muscle weight, creatinine, microalbuminuria, and eGFR values (p<0.05). Protein (g/kg) intake was only different between the groups (p<0.05). 18.4% of patients had SGA-B score, and 26.5% had PEW. CONCLUSION: Our study provides a general impression about the presence of PEW in DN patients not receiving dialysis in Turkiye. In patients with DN-3 and DN-4, daily energy and macronutrient intakes are adequate by recommendation. According to ISRNM criteria, the prevalence of PEW increased with advancing disease stage. PEW was observed to be more effective than SGA in assessing malnutrition.