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Body composition is associated with physical function and quality of life in hemodialysis patients

Low quality of life (QOL) and functional limitations are frequently reported in hemodialysis patients. Additionally, protein wasting or loss of lean mass occurs in up to 75% of cases and is associated with higher mortality. The relationship between body composition, physical functioning and QOL in dialysis patients is unclear; this study examines these relationships in 27 dialysis patients. Body composition was measured by dual x‐ray absorptiometery, muscle strength by dynamometer, physical functioning by shuttle walk, and QOL by validated questionnaires. Muscle extension and flexion were associated with whole body % fat (r=−0.787, p<0.05; and r=−0.830, p<0.05, respectively), leg % fat (r=−0.830, p<0.05; and r=−0.825, p<0.05) and lean mass (r=0.759, p<0.05; and r=0.773, p<0.05). Shuttle walk time was associated with leg % fat (r=−0.637, p<0.05) and lean mass (r=0.698, p<0.01). Leg % fat negatively correlated with reported function (r=−0.707, p=0.01), while lean mass showed a positive relationship (r=0.666, p<=0.05). Shuttle walk time correlated positively with QOL as assessed by total disability rating (r=0.476, p<0.05) and reported function (r=0.838, p<0.001) suggesting that physical functioning, as well as body composition, is associated with QOL in this population. These data highlight the need for therapies to prevent lean mass loss and improve QOL for dialysis patients.