Assessment of upper muscle function in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue that is increasingly common in the senior population around the world. However, there are a few research on muscular function in CKD-affected older persons. This study aims to evaluate the function of upper limb muscles in elderly CKD patients.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted, including 73 patients with CKD and 73 healthy individuals as a control group. Patients were divided into two groups: 37 predialysis patients and 36 patients on regular hemodialysis. History was recorded, blood pressure, anthropometric measures, handgrip strength (HGS) were assessed, and a blood sample was withdrawn for measuring complete blood count, random blood sugar, lipid profile, renal and liver function tests.

Results: In comparison to the control group, CKD patients were having a significantly lower HGS. Predialysis CKD patients have significantly higher HGS compared with patients on regular hemodialysis. Both hemoglobin and albumin were positively correlated with HGS. Fasting triglycerides were inversely correlated with HGS.

Conclusions: There is a significant decline in upper limb muscle function in CKD patients. The decline in muscle function is more evident in hemodialysis than in predialysis CKD patients.