Introduction: Protein-Energy Undernutrition (PEU) is common in chronic haemodialysis patients and is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality. However, limited data are available on the prevalence of PEU in the dialysis population of Africa. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the nutritional profile of chronic haemodialysis patients in Nouakchott (Mauritania) to determine the prevalence of undernutrition in this population and to identify predictive factors.

Patients and methods: This descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted from 12 January to 8 September 2015, and involved patients on haemodialysis who regularly attended the haemodialysis unit (at least 3 months) of the Nouakchott Hospital Center. The Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) according to Detsky was used to assess the nutritional status of patients. We also collected epidemiological, dialytical, clinical and anthropometric data

Results: Sixty-nine chronic haemodialysis patients were included. The mean age was 45.9 ± 14.08 years, and the sex ratio was 0.97. The mean duration of haemodialysis was 27 months and 20 days. Anorexia was found in 59.4% of cases, and the mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 24.38 ± 3.74 kg/m². The average Branchial Circumference (CB) was 22.91 ± 3.6 cm. Patients showed mean albumin and haemoglobin levels of 38.69 g/L (range 19.2-48.4 g/L) and 8.3 ± 0.9 g/dL, respectively, and biological inflammatory syndrome was found in 16.17% of patients. The prevalence of malnutrition was 36.2%, which was classified as moderate in 20.3% of cases and severe in 15.9% of cases. Malnutrition was found to be correlated with a low socioeconomic status, anorexia, poor dental status, low BMI, hypophosphatemia, hypocholesterolemia, high C-reactive protein CRP and hypoprotidaemia.

Conclusion: The prevention of undernutrition through dietary interventions must be at the heart of management for chronic haemodialysis patients.