Factors associated with nutritional risk in patients receiving haemodialysis assessed by Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS2002)

Background Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 is recommended as a screening tool to identify patients at risk of undernutrition for all patients in hospitals by the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Nutritional risk is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients, and it is common among patients on haemodialysis. Factors associated with nutritional risk that could facilitate the screening/diagnostic procedures are warranted. Objectives Identification of factors that are associated with nutritional risk in patients with end-stage renal disease treated with haemodialysis. Design and Participants Single-centre, cross-sectional study in patients receiving haemodialysis (n = 53) were screened for nutritional risk using Nutritional Risk Screening 2002. Associations were made with data on dietary intake by 24-h dietary recall, and measurement of body composition, anthropometric measurements and biochemical variables. Results Nutritional risk was common among patients on haemodialysis (26%), and was associated with low energy and protein intake, and low pre-albumin concentrations also after adjustments for age and sex. Nutritional risk was neither associated with diabetes nor duration of dialysis treatment. Conclusion Measurement of pre-albumin and dietary assessment using a 24-h dietary recall can support the identification of patients receiving haemodialysis at nutritional risk.