The Validity of Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) for Nutritional Screening in Hemodialysis Patients

Objective: Wasting and malnutrition are problems frequently encountered in patients undergoing hemodialysis that may increase morbidity and mortality. The malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST) is a quick and easy-to-use nutritional screening tool. The aim of this study was to determine the validity of MUST by comparing two accepted nutritional screening methods in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: The MUST, malnutrition inflammation score (MIS), and nutritional status according to the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) report were applied to 88 hemodialysis patients. Albumin, pre-albumin, C-reactive protein levels, body mass index, and calf circumference were measured in all patients. Results: Malnutrition was identified in 14.78% of patients according to MUST, 10.22% according to MIS, and 13.63% according to the ISRNM report. The sensitivity of MUST was 22.2% using the MIS criteria, and 50% using the ISRNM report. Specificity was 86.1% according to MIS and 90.8% according to the ISRNM report. Conclusion: Although not sensitive, the MUST is a specific nutritional screening tool in patients undergoing hemodialysis according to the MIS and ISRNM report. Keywords: Hemodialysis, malnutrition, nutritional assessment, sensitivity, specificity