Objective: This pilot study aims to evaluate the nutritional status of XDP patients using anthropometric measurements and nutritional assessment tools, and to determine the prevalence and risk factors for malnutrition among patients with XDP.

Background: X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP) is a rare neurodegenerative movement disorder predominantly affecting Filipino males. Malnutrition has been identified among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among patients with XDP; however, data on its population-specific prevalence remain limited.

Method: This cross-sectional study included clinically and genetically-confirmed cases of XDP from the Philippine General Hospital. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, body mass index, handgrip strength, and mid-upper arm and calf circumferences were recorded. Nutritional status was determined using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Disease severity was evaluated using the XDP-MDSP scale.

Results: Thirty patients were included in this pilot study. Based on the MNA, 26.7% were malnourished, 53.3% were at risk for malnutrition, and only 20% were normally nourished. Dysphagia risk was identified in 80% of patients. Malnourished patients had significantly lower BMI (19.1 vs. 23.8, p = 0.03) and calf circumference (30.4 vs. 34.6 cm, p = 0.03). The activities of daily living (ADL) subscale of the XDP-MDSP significantly differed between the groups (p = 0.01).

Conclusion: Malnutrition is highly prevalent among patients with XDP. A comprehensive approach to nutritional assessment, integrating anthropometric measurements especially the BMI and calf circumference with functional independence in ADLs can help facilitate earlier identification of XDP patients who are at risk for malnutrition.

Table 1. Baseline characteristics

Table 2. Anthropometric measurements

Table 3. Comparisons based on MNA status

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/nutritional-assessment-in-x-linked-dystonia-parkinsonism-preliminary-results-from-a-pilot-study/