Assessment of the Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Transplant Patients: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can significantly influence a patient’s nutritional status, leading to malnutrition. Malnutrition is associated with an increase in morbidity and hospital admissions, as well as a decrease in functional status. All these factors impact emotional, physical, and psychosocial health, leading to a lower quality of life (QOL). The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status and QOL in patients with CKD compared to patients after kidney transplantation and determine what factors influence nutritional status and QOL in this patient population. Methods: The study included 167 patients: 39 pre-dialysis patients—group 1; 65 dialysis patients—group 2; 63 kidney transplant patients—group 3. Patients completed the Kidney Disease Quality of Life questionnaire (KDQoL) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire (MNA). Results: A comparative analysis of the QOL of patients in the three study groups showed no statistically significant differences in the overall KDQoL scores. Factors that affected quality of life included the designated group, determined by disease status, MNA score, patient age, and WHR. Nearly 1/3 of patients from groups 2 and 3 were at risk of malnutrition. Conclusions: A systematic assessment of nutritional status and monitoring of QOL should be integrated into the standard management guidelines for CKD patients.