Change in appendicular lean mass in patients established on peritoneal dialysis as measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning.

Although overall weight did not change, the majority of PD patients lost ALM, and this loss of muscle mass was masked by a gain in fat mass. Definitions of malnutrition and cachexia, which include unintentional weight loss criteria will underestimate the prevalence of PD patients with loss of muscle mass.