Abstract
Objective. To assess the frequency and intensity of painful muscle spasms (cramps) in patients with end-stage CKD during hemodialysis; to determine the impact of potentially modifiable risk factors on their development. Materials and Methods. The study involved 111 male and female patients receiving treatment on hemodialysis program. Crumps intensity was assessed using a brief pain questionnaire two hours after hemodialysis initiation, during three consecutive procedures. The HADS questionnaire was used to detect anxiety and depression. Blood pressure, interdialysis weight gain were evaluated during three consecutive dialysis procedures. Phosphate binders were taken into account for all patients in the sample. Serum concentrations of phosphorus (P), total calcium (Ca) and parathyroid hormone (iPTG) were determined in all patients. Results. The mean age of patients was 51.8 ± 2.3 years, the mean duration of hemodialysis treatment was 7.7 ± 0.9 years, the mean procedure duration was 12 ± 0.24 hours per week, the mean level of KT/V was 1.4 ± 0.03. The frequency of crumps was 55%, the mean intensity was 5.2±1.8 points by the numerical rating scale (NRS). Compared with the group of patients without crumps, the risk of pain muscle spasms increased with increasing age of patients, hemodialysis experience, interdialysis weight gain. An important modifiable risk factor was intradialysis hypotension (or 10.9 (95%CI 3,0; 38.9) p = 0.0002). Statistically significant differences between the groups with or without cramps not obtained on any of the three indicators of mineral metabolism (PTH (p = 0,87); P (p = 0,25); overall Ca (p = 0,70)). Conclusion. Painful muscle spasms (cramps) occur in every second patient on hemodialysis program. The impact on potentially modifiable risk factors for muscle spasms, such as interdialysis weight gain, hypotension during hemodialysis, and phosphorus level correction, can reduce the frequency and intensity of this type of pain syndrome.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
