Characteristics of nutritional status in patients with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is kidney damage that persists for three months or more due to the action of various etiological factors, the anatomical basis of which is the process of replacement of normal anatomical structures with fibrosis, leading to its dysfunction. This nosology is quite common in the modern world; it can progress and lead to disability of patients and a decrease in their quality of life. The mortality rate for this disease also remains high. About 3/4 of patients with this pathology have a terminal stage of the process, which is characterized by the development of protein-energy deficiency (due to uremia, malnutrition, acidosis and persistent inflammatory process), which significantly worsens the prognosis. Currently, the available literature contains a small number of works devoted to this problem, therefore an important part of the management of patients with chronic kidney disease (especially those on hemodialysis) is the assessment and correction of nutritional status. In this article, the authors highlight aspects of the development of protein-energy malnutrition, its possible methods of diagnosis and correction. Electrolyte disturbances, especially hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia, are also common complications of chronic kidney disease. Correction of these conditions, in turn, can lead to the development of deficiency of vitamins and other microelements. According to studies presented in the literature, nutritional status is one of the main factors determining the survival and degree of rehabilitation of patients on renal replacement therapy, as well as the effectiveness of dialysis treatment. Thus, a clinician’s knowledge of the nutritional status of this group of patients can improve their prognosis and quality of life.