Stage-stratified Analysis of Handgrip Strength and Body Composition of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Abstract

Handgrip strength (HGS) is strongly associated with lean muscle mass and can accurately determine nutritional compromised state of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients at all stages of illness. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 114 CKD patients from different stages were enrolled. HGS of the patients was measured by Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. Body composition for 47 patients was measured by body composition monitor. Stage stratified analysis was done using various statistical tests. Results: CKD patients had low HGS at all stages. Patients at Stage 4 had significantly (P < 0.001) lower HGS (19.45 ± 7.09 kg) than patients of stage 2 (25.7 ± 8.53 kg). With one unit increase in age, the value of HGS significantly (P < 0.001) decreased by 6.35 units. Female patients had significantly lower HGS by 21.36 unit, (P < 0.001) at all age groups as compared to males. The value of lean tissue mass (LTM) was significantly (P = 0.03) low at Stage 4 as compared to Stage 2. HGS was positively correlated with LTM (r = 0.65). Muscle strength and muscle mass were strongly related with disease progression. Conclusion: Timely assessment of HGS and muscle mass of CKD patients determine nutritional status at early stage of illness.