Objective(s): In hemodialysis patients, malnutrition and inflammation are prominent determinants of mortality. Reduced muscle mass is considered to be one of the most valid criteria in malnutrition diagnosis, and hand grip strength (HGS) is used as an efficient tool for evaluating muscle functioning. The aim of this study was to determine if HGS is associated with the nutritional status determined with malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) and biochemical parameters in HD patients.
Design and methods: Patients who have been on hemodialysis treatment for at least 6 months were included in this cross-sectional study. HGS was measured by a hand dynamometer. MIS was used to evaluate malnutrition, and Modified Charlson Comorbidity Index was used to rank comorbidities.
Results: A total of 132 hemodialysis patients, 73 (55.3%) males and 59 (44.7%) females, were included. The mean age of the patients was 56.90 ± 13.73 years. The mean age was 60.66 ± 13.42 years in the low-HGS group and 52.91 ± 13.00 years in the high-HGS group. HGS significantly decreased as age increased (P = .001). In patients with diabetes mellitus, HGS was significantly lower (67.4% and 43%; P = .013). Male patients with high HGS had significantly higher body weight (74.75 kg and 66 kg; P = .012). But there was no significant relationship between HGS and weight for female patients. HGS decreased when Charlson Comorbidity Index score (5 in low-HGS group and 4 in high-HGS group) and MIS values increased (8 in low-HGS group and 6 in high-HGS group) (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). Only MIS was observed to have a statistically significant impact on HGS in the regression model (P < .001).
Conclusion: A significant relationship was found between MIS and HGS; HGS's relationship with comorbidities was also presented in our study.
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