Review of Risk Factors of Malnutrition in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

This article reviews the iatrogenic (nutrient loss caused by dialysis, inflammatory reaction caused by dialysis, insufficient dialysis, and metabolic acidosis) and noniatrogenic (patients' insufficient diet, taste change, poor appetite, and psychosocial function) risk factors for malnutrition in maintenance hemodialysis patients. The aim of this review article is to incorporate these aspects into the malnutrition risk assessment of maintenance hemodialysis patients in order to enhance nutritional status, improve medical quality, and assure patient safety.