Audit Of The Prevalence Of Malnutrition Using The Modified Subjective Global Assessment Tool In Maintenance Peritoneal Dialysis Patients In The Top End Renal Service Of The Nortehrn Territory Australia

The objective of the audit is to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in maintenance peritoneal dialysis (MPD) patients in the Top End of the Northern Territory, using the modified Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) tool. Methods: The audit was conducted in an outpatients setting. Approximately 75% of PD patients in the Top End Renal service are represented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people. The study population was MPD patients in the Top End Renal Service (TERS) of the Northern Territory, from January 1st 2010 to December 31st 2010. Results were compared to malnutrition rates found in the 2008/09 the audit of MPD patients in the TERS. The SGA’s were performed by the renal Dietitian as part of the standard dietetic support of MPD patients. SGA scores were collected from patient medical charts. Results: Patients were classified into one of three categories, based on their SGA score (A) Well-nourished; (B) Mild- Moderate Malnutrition, (C) Severe malnutrition. Malnutrition (B or C) was detected in 10% of PD patients, compared to the 2008/09 audit where 76% of MPD patients had some degree of malnutrition. Summary: These results were much lower than malnutrition rates (76%) in the MPD patients audited in 2008/09. A number of factors affecting the PD service after the 2008/09 audit could explain the decrease in malnutrition rates including the implementation of free oral nutrition supplements to MPD patients, development of service wide culturally appropriate education resources used in the pre-dialysis and dialysis stage. Future research into the correlation between improved peritonitis rates and decreased malnutrition rates in the population are warranted