Clinical takeawayConsider routine nutritional and muscle health assessment using calf circumference, handgrip strength, and phase angle in hemodialysis patients to identify sarcopenia and guide interventions, particularly in resource-limited settings like Panama.
What it found89.5% of hemodialysis patients consumed <80% of energy requirements (median 17.0 kcal/kg/day) and 79.0% <80% of protein (0.8 g/kg/day); sarcopenia prevalence was 22.9%, associated with severely reduced calf circumference (OR 7.1, 95% CI 2.3, 22.3).
ContextConfirms high malnutrition and sarcopenia burden in adults on hemodialysis in Panama, with calf circumference as a practical marker; aligns with prior evidence but highlights implementation gaps in routine care.
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