Abstract: SA-PO0907
Sex-Related Differences in Morphofunctional Profile in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis Assessed by Bioimpedance and Nutritional Ultrasound
Session Information
- Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
- 1500 Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Authors
- Martinez Vaquera, Shaira, Diaverum Spain, Renal Services, Madrid, Spain
- Molina, Sonia Caparros, Diaverum Spain, Renal Services, Madrid, Spain
- Lupiañez-Barbero, Ascension, Diaverum Spain, Renal Services, Madrid, Spain
Background
Sex-related differences in body composition and muscle performance may contribute to heterogeneous outcomes in maintenance hemodialysis (HD), although their morpho-functional characteristics remain poorly defined. We evaluated sex-related differences in functional performance, body composition, cellular integrity, and nutritional ultrasound parameters in HD patients.
Methods
Multicenter observational study including 163 maintenance HD patients from outpatient dialysis centers. Functional assessment included handgrip strength and the 30-second sit-to-stand test (30STS). Body composition and cellular integrity were evaluated using bioimpedance analysis, including phase angle, reactance, and skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI). Nutritional ultrasound included rectus femoris muscle measurements and adipose tissue thickness. Clinical and laboratory variables were collected. Multivariable analyses were adjusted for age, diabetes, comorbidity burden, and dialysis vintage.
Results
The cohort included 62.6% men, with a high prevalence of probable sarcopenia (57.7%). Women showed significantly worse SARC-F scores, lower handgrip strength, and poorer functional performance on 30STS (all p<0.05). Women also exhibited lower muscle mass and smaller rectus femoris muscle area on ultrasound, together with higher total and visceral adiposity (p<0.05). Bioimpedance analysis demonstrated lower phase angle, lower SMMI, and higher body fat proportion among women, while hydration parameters were similar between sexes. In multivariable analysis, female sex remained independently associated with lower muscle strength and poorer functional performance.
Conclusion
Women receiving maintenance HD exhibit a more vulnerable morpho-functional phenotype characterized by reduced muscle mass and performance, increased adiposity, and impaired cellular integrity independent of comorbidity burden. These findings support the need for sex-specific strategies targeting sarcopenia and nutritional impairment in HD populations.