DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF HANDGRIP STRENGTH AS MARKER OF MALNUTRITION AMONGST PATIENTS ON MAINTENANCE HEMODAILYSIS

Abstract

Hypothesis: The aim of the study waas to observe diagnostic accuracy of handgrip strength as marker of malnutrition amongst patients on maintenance hemodailysis

Design of the Study: cross-sectional study

Study Duration: 06 months, October 2024 to February 2025

Location of Study: Department of Medicine, CMH Lahore

Methods: 100 participants undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were included in our study. Nutritional status was assessed using Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) as the reference standard. HGS, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters were recorded and analyzed using SPSS 26. ROC curve analysis determined optimal HGS cut-off values, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive accuracy.

Results: Among 100 hemodialysis patients, 60% were malnourished by SGA. Mean handgrip strength (22.8 ± 7.3 kg) was significantly lower in malnourished individuals and correlated with serum albumin and BMI. ROC analysis (AUC = 0.86) confirmed HGS as a strong, reliable marker of malnutrition

Conclusion: Handgrip strength is a simple, reliable, and cost-effective tool for detecting malnutrition in maintenance hemodialysis patients.