Longitudinal study of nutritional status, body composition, and physical function in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Cross-sectional studies have shown an association between the duration (y) of dialysis and nutritional status, providing evidence of wasting.

Objective: The aim was to determine the extent, pace, determinants, and optimal methods of assessing wasting in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Design: Laboratory variables, body composition, and physical activity, function, and performance were tested 4 times over 1 y in 54 hemodialysis patients.