Prevalence of Malnutrition in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease at the Guayaquil Naval Hospital, 2017-2020

Objective: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with CKD not requiring dialysis treatment at the Hospital Naval de Guayaquil (HOSNAG) during the period January 2017 to December 2020. Theoretical Framework: The research focuses on the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who do not yet require dialysis. It is based on the premise that malnutrition is a common problem in patients with CKD, despite recommendations for low-protein diets. The research aims to explore whether the VGS, a subjective nutritional assessment tool, is useful to identify these malnourished patients and whether BMI can be a predictor of malnutrition in this population. Methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, prevalence-type study. Malnutrition was considered as two definitions: a BMI <20; a GSV B/C. Results and Discussion: 205 cases were recovered, with a median age of 64 years, being 95 (46.3%) female. There were 12/205 (5.9%) cases which presented a BMI <20, equivalent to malnutrition. Subjective global assessment A, B and C was estimated in 95 (46.3%), 87 (42.4%) and 23 (11.2%), respectively. The prevalence of malnutrition in CKD patients not requiring dialysis treatment at HOSNAG between January/2017 to December/2020 was 5.9% (95% CI 3.3 - 10%) estimated using a BMI <20, and 53.6% (95% CI 46.8 - 60%) using a B/C VGS. BMI is not a useful marker in the prediction of malnutrition in patients with CKD not requiring dialysis treatment, according to the VGS. Research implications: By more accurately identifying malnourished patients and the factors associated with this condition, more effective nutritional strategies can be implemented to improve their quality of life and survival. In addition, the results of this study can serve as a basis for the development of public policies and health education programs that promote better nutritional care for these patients. Originality/value: This research presents a remarkable originality by focusing on a segment of the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population that has been less explored in previous studies: those patients who do not yet require dialysis.