Effect of Oral Nutrition Supplement on Hemodialysis Patients- An Observational Study

Introduction: PEW (Protein Energy Wasting) is a well-known phenomenon observed among Hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the nutrition status of HD patients receiving oral nutrition supplement (ONS) on Dialysis days along with a high protein diet. Material and Methods: The outpatients who visited Hemodialysis unit were nutritionally assessed using the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). Malnourished patients were selected for the study. Diet advice was given on a high protein diet as per the standard renal guidelines. Patients were given ONS on dialysis days for 6 months along with a high protein diet. ONS provided 200 Kcal and 9 g protein. Patients were nutritionally assessed pre and post supplementation at 0- 6month gap using SGA, MIS (Malnutrition Inflammation Score), BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), hand grip strength, C- Reactive protein, Serum Albumin & Total Iron Binding Capacity. The data were collected and analysed. Results:  A significant improvement (p < 0.05) was observed in the ICW (Intra cellular water), BCM (Body Cell Mass), SMM (Skeletal Muscle Mass) & Protein Mass. An improvement in the mean Hand grip strength, SGA and MIS scores were also observed.   Conclusion: Providing ONS on Dialysis days would be an ideal way to reduce PEW.