The nutritional status of Asian end stage renal failure patients: a cross sectional study.

Nutritional status was assessed in 303 dialysis patients and the results of Asian and non Asian patients was compared. Mid Arm Muscle Circumference (MAMC) was found to be lower [22.7 +/- 2.7 v 24.2 +/- 2.9 (p = 0.008)] and TSF higher [15.9 +/- 7.2 v 13.6 +/- 7.4 (p = 0.078)] in Asians as compared to non Asians. Body Mass Index (BMI), Mid Arm Circumference (MAC) and Serum Albumin were not significantly different in the two groups. Difficulties in assessing and interpreting nutritional status in the Asian dialysis population are discussed and areas for further work are identified.