Changes in body composition in relation to estimated glomerular filtration rate and physical activity in predialysis chronic kidney disease

Background

Early body composition changes, associated with physical inactivity and disease advancement are devastating for patient-related outcomes in predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD), thus warranting a detailed analysis of body composition beyond conventional measures.

Methods

The study included 40 subjects diagnosed with CKD; recruited between January to May 2021. Body composition was measured using the multifrequency analyzer, InBody 770. International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form was used to assess physical activity. Suitable statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 21.0.

Results

The mean age of the subjects was 58.68 ± 12.24 years. Sarcopenic obesity was prevalent in 62.5% of the subjects. Body mass index under identified obesity by 15% compared to percent body fat, especially in subjects with low muscle mass. The decline in a unit of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) significantly correlated with a decrease in weight (p = 0.02), body fat mass (p = 0.05), visceral fat area (p = 0.05), and phase angle (p = 0.01) with marginal changes in waist–hip ratio and extracellular water/total body water. The effect of physical activity on skeletal muscle mass was homogeneous between low and moderate levels, but significantly different from high activity level.

Conclusion

Changes in fat and fluid compartment were associated with eGFR decline, whereas higher physical activity positively affected body composition.