Factors Related to Muscle Cramps during Hemodialysis in End Stage Renal Disease Patients

Abstract

Background: Muscle cramps are a common complication during hemodialysis that can cause patients extremely painful.Objective: To determine factors related to muscle cramps during hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease.Methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis at Hemodialysis center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital between February and March 2020. The data collection instruments included muscle cramps report form, demographic questionnaire, and factors related to muscle cramps questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression.Results: A total of 44 patients were recruited in the study. The mean age was 63.3 years. A total of 458 muscle cramps during hemodialysis assessments were recorded in the one month. The result showed that 45 muscle cramps (9.8%) occurred during hemodialysis. Factors significantly related to muscle cramps during hemodialysis included interdialytic weight gain ≥ 3.5 kilograms (OR = 4.5, P < .05), experiencing cramps before hemodialysis (OR = 25.5, P < .05), and high serum bicarbonate concentration (OR = 5.6, P < .05).Conclusions: This study found that 9.8% of patients reported muscle cramps during hemodialysis. Interdialytic weight gain, having cramps before hemodialysis, and serum bicarbonate concentration were significantly related to muscle cramps during hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease.