Associação entre capacidade funcional e varáveis bioquímicas e pacientes com doença renal crônica

Abstract

This study investigated the association between biochemical variables and functional capacity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis. It was designed as a dynamic cohort with data collected between 2020 and 2022 at a university hospital in southern Brazil. A total of 153 patients aged 18 or older, undergoing hemodialysis for at least three months, were evaluated through standardized physical tests (six-minute walk test, 30-second chair stand, Timed Up and Go, Berg balance scale, and handgrip dynamometry) and routine laboratory parameters (albumin, creatinine, and hematocrit). Multilevel models were used to analyze the longitudinal associations between biomarkers and physical performance. The results showed that higher levels of creatinine were consistently associated with better physical performance in all functional tests, indicating its potential as an indirect marker of strength and muscle mass. Albumin was also positively associated with functional capacity, particularly in dynamometry, walking, and chair stand tests. Hematocrit showed statistical association only with the chair stand test, with limited clinical significance. The study's methodological design was refined after the qualification stage, including the redefinition of the design as a dynamic cohort and the focus on three key biochemical variables. It is concluded that serum creatinine and albumin are important indicators of physical functionality in CKD patients and may support planning of rehabilitation and personalized therapeutic strategies.