Disorders In Hemodialysis Patients Research Articles

#1250 Measurement of ionized calcium with a point-of-care ionometer during treatment with etelcalcetide

Abstract Background and Aims Etelcalcetide is an intravenous calcimimetic indicated for the treatment of mineral and bone disorders in hemodialysis patients by lowering parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and phosphorus. The assessment of ionized calcium versus total calcium has not yet been studied during treatment with etelcalcetide, and there are no real data on the occurrence of hypocalcemia as measured by ionized calcium in the pre- and post-hemodialysis period during treatment with etelcalcetide. The aim of this study was to describe the time course of ionized and total serum calcium levels during chronic treatment with etelcalcetide and to assess the occurrence of hypocalcemia in patients treated with etelcalcetide by measuring ionized calcium levels. Method This was an observational, non-interventional, prospective, single-arm phase IV study. A total of 20 chronic hemodialysis patients (15 men and 5 women) aged 55.9 ± 18.2 years undergoing dialysis for 5.5 ± 4.3 years in two hemodialysis centers of the University Medical Centre Ljubljana were enrolled in the study between January 2020 and March 2021. All patients received etelcalcetide as a bolus injection into the venous line of the dialysis circuit three times a week, immediately after each hemodialysis session. Ionized calcium levels were determined using a point-of-care ionometer (GEM Premier 3000) before starting treatment with etelcalcetide prior to dialysis, then during treatment in the first week before and after dialysis, then once a week until the maintenance phase was reached and at least once a month thereafter. Hypocalcemia was defined by a pre-dialysis ionized calcium concentration below 0.90 mmol/L. The corrected total calcium values was measured prior to dialysis at least once a month according to routine clinical practice. The data of all these patients were included in the analysis, except for one, who underwent a kidney transplantation after receiving only 4 doses of etelcalcetide. Results We demonstrated that both corrected total calcium and ionized calcium before dialysis decreased over time during treatment with etelcalcetide. Of 240 measurements of ionized calcium with a point-of-care ionometer at the bedside, the concentration of ionized calcium was below 0.90 mmol/L three times in two patients (0.81, 0.84, 0.85). In one patient, we increased a calcium level in the dialysate from 1.50 to 1.75 mmol/L and in the other from 1.25 to 1.50 mmol/L. In addition, we observed 2 further measurements of ionized calcium of 0.90 mmol/L and 18 measurements between 0.91 and 0.96 mmol/L. However, this corresponds to 1.25% of hypocalcemias with ionized calcium below 0.90 mmol/L and 8.3% of those with calcium between 0.90 and 0.96 mmol/L. As calcium concentration in the bath increased, the pre-dialysis calcium concentrations also appeared to increase. At the beginning of the study, the calcium concentration in the dialysate was 1.5 mmol/L in 16 of 20 patients. 2 patients were treated with a calcium concentration in the dialysate of 1.75 mmol/L and 2 others with 1.25 mmol/L. The proportion of patients using higher dialysate calcium concentration was higher at the end of the study, as two patients switched to 1.75 mmol/L, and one from 1.25 to 1.50 mmol/L. This probably indicates a co-intervention triggered by a reduction in serum calcium levels prior to dialysis during treatment with etelcalcetide. Visual comparisons of the time course of ionized and corrected calcium concentrations before dialysis during chronic treatment with etelcalcetide in 19 patients showed a good correlation between point-of-care ionized calcium and routinely measured total calcium. Conclusion A point-of-care ionometer for the determination of ionized calcium at the bedside has the potential to guide etelcalcetide therapy by optimizing serum calcium levels and also to prevent potentially threatening hypocalcemia.

Evaluation of risk factors related to sleep disorders in patients undergoing hemodialysis using a nomogram model.

This study aimed to investigate the risk factors related to sleep disorders in patients undergoing hemodialysis using a nomogram model. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a hospital in Zhejiang province, China from January 1, 2020, to November 31, 2022 among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Dietary intake was assessed applying a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Sleep quality was evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Evaluation of risk factors related to sleep disorders in patients undergoing hemodialysis was using a nomogram model. This study included 201 patients and 87 individuals (43.3%, 87/201) exhibited sleep disorders. The average age of included patients was 51.1 ± 9.0 years, with males accounting for 55.7% (112/201). Results from nomogram model exhibited that potential risk factors for sleep disorders in patients undergoing hemodialysis included female, advanced age, increased creatinine and alanine aminotransferase levels, as well as higher red meat consumption. Inversely, protective factors against sleep disorders in these patients included higher consumption of poultry, fish, vegetables, and dietary fiber. The C-index demonstrated a high level of discriminative ability (0.922). This study found that age, sex, and dietary factors were associated with sleep disorders in hemodialysis patients. Hemodialysis patients with sleep disorders require urgent dietary guidance.

Acquired Perforating Dermatosis and Dermatology Life Quality Index in Patients Receiving hemodialysis.

IntroductionAcquired perforating dermatosis (APD) is a frequent disorder in hemodialysis patients and the effect on the quality of life is poorly described. We investigated the prevalence of APD in hemodialysis patients, measured and compared APD-associated quality of life. MethodsWe developed a prospective, observational, and descriptive study. We invited patients over the age of 18 in hemodialysis. Data was obtained from their electronic file and a dermatological examination was performed. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was applied. Descriptive analysis of demographic variables, clinical features, and dermoscopy findings, as well as comparison of DLQI scores, was made. ResultsThe sample consisted of 46 patients, with a prevalence of APD of 11%. Patients with APD were leaner and younger compared to patients without APD. The time on hemodialysis was longer in patients with APD compared to those without APD, with a median of 90 versus 32 months (p = 0.015). The impact on quality of life was greater in patients with APD compared to those without APD, with some effect in all patients with APD and 33% in patients without APD (p = 0.001). Patients with APD had more frequent pruritus compared to those without APD (p = 0.007). ConclusionsAge, time on hemodialysis and BMI are associated with the presence of APD. Patients with APD had a higher prevalence of pruritus and a greater impact on quality of life in dermatology compared to patients without APD.

Musculoskeletal disorders in hemodialysis patients: prevalence, clinical symptoms, and associated factors

Introduction: One of the major public health problems is end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD is commonly associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Objectives: Due to the importance of MSDs in hemodialysis patients and the absence of sufficient studies in Iran, this study aims to investigate MSDs in hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 75 patients with ESRD, who were under hemodialysis at the special diseases center of Birjand university of medical sciences, south Khorasan, Iran. Inclusion criteria were history of at least 2 years of hemodialysis, and age more than 18 years. All patients with previous neurological disorders, previous rheumatic diseases, previous arthroplasty of the limbs, and severe psychological disorders were excluded from the study. Baseline characteristics and laboratory data collected. MSDs examined based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Screening Questionnaire (NMQ). Data were described using central tendency, CHI-SQUARE test, and Fisher’s exact test were used. The significance level in this study was P<0.05. Results: Seventy-five patients participated (Mean and standard deviation (SD) of age: 62.13±1.73 years, male to female ratio: 1.14). Sixty-three patients (84.0%) had MSDs. There was no significant difference based on age, dialysis vintage, gender, laboratory tests, and comorbidities (P>0.05). Dialysis etiology, knee osteoarthritis, shins pain, knee pain and knee range of motion had significantly difference between groups (respectively, P=0.047, P=0.003, P=0.012, P=0.001, P=0.002). Conclusion: The frequency of MSDs in these patients was 84.0%. There was a significant association between MSDs with the cause of hemodialysis, lower limb pain, and knee osteoarthritis.

Impact of Hemodialysis on Sleep Disorders in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease in a Tertiary Care Academic Hospital.

Although hemodialysis (HD) has prolonged the survival of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), it has also adversely affected the sleep and emotional state of these patients. We evaluated the impact of HD on sleep duration, quality, and other sleep-related disorders. We recruited consecutive adult patients visiting our tertiary care dialysis unit. We included only ESRD patients who had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <15 mL/min/1.73m2. We excluded patients with unrelated comorbidities or on medications that could affect sleep. Basic demographic information, anthropometric data, and appropriate lab investigations were obtained. Objective information related to their sleep duration and quality was asked using a predefined proforma. Subjective sleep scores were obtained by using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and insomnia severity index (ISI). For comparison, the patients were divided into HD and conservative treatment (CT) groups based on their treatment modality. The baseline characteristics of the patients were noted. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to test normality. Correlations were obtained by using Student's t-test for parameters that were normally distributed and the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test for those that were not. Of the 56 patients we studied, 59% were males. The average age and body mass index (BMI) were 45.7 years and 20.98 kg/m2, respectively. Overall, 41% of patients were assigned to the HD group, and the remaining to the CT group. The CT group had fewer comorbidities compared to the HD group. The average sleep duration was similar in both groups (HD: 6.64 hours, CT: 6.49 hours). There was a weak-to-moderate positive correlation between the sleep scores. Overall, one-half of the patients had excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) (46.43%) and insomnia (48.21%), and two-thirds of them were poor sleepers (66.07%). Symptoms suggestive of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) were seen in 25% of patients, restless legs syndrome (RLS) in 19.64% of patients, and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) in 44.64% of patients. Patients undergoing HD had poorer sleep quality compared to the CT group (p=0.038). The odds of developing poor sleep were 3.6 times higher in the HD group. This cross-sectional study focuses on the quantification of objective and subjective deterioration of sleep quality in ESRD patients on HD. The prevalence of EDS (63.64%), insomnia (51.52%), and poor sleep quality (84.84%) in the HD group was more than the previously reported values. The PSQI, ESS, and ISI scores were higher in HD patients, indicating poorer sleep quality. Our study highlights the underestimation of sleep disorders in HD patients in underserved areas. Theresults warrant a meticulous evaluation of the same by a keen nephrologist, followed byreferral to sleep providers where necessary.

#4747 THE APPLICATION OF MODERN MEDICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ELEMENTS FOR PERSONALIZED TREATMENT OF PATIENTS ON HEMODIALYSIS

Abstract Background and Aims The quality of life and survival of patients on hemodialysis significantly depend on modern technology. Treatment requires control of dynamically changing large volume of data, which must be analyzed and interpreted in real time. Achieving the ideal balance between adequate fluid removal, effective dialysis dose, and low risk of adverse events on the hemodialysis procedure is a complex multifactorial problem. The heterogeneity of the dialysis population, comorbid burden, the use of concomitant medications, nutritional status and adherence to diet, patient compliance are a noncomplete list of factors that must be considered when setting the dialysis regimen. Thus, despite significant progress in the technical aspects of the “artificial kidney devices”, personalization of the treatment regimen remains an important and difficult task. Introduction of modern automated medical information systems (MIS) for management of treatment and diagnostic process can provide invaluable assistance in treatment process and improve treatment outcomes. The aim of our study was to improve the prevention and treatment of hemodynamic disorders in hemodialysis patients using a special own program “Maximus”, which collects and analyzes indicators from dialysis machines in real time. Method The study was conducted from May to November 2022. The study included 120 patients on hemodialysis. The average age of the participants was 62.3±25.4 years. All participants underwent bioimpedance testing with a hydration score (InBody S10) compared to the prescribed dry weight at inclusion. A total of 9360 hemodialysis procedures (all HDF) were analyzed. The data of all procedures were collected directly from dialysis machines and analyzed in MIS in real time, identifying deviations from the target values. Episodes of both hypertension (140/90 mm Hg) and hypotension (100/60 mm Hg) were considered. MIS analyzed the actual duration of the procedure, blood flow rate, volume of fluid removal, rate of ultrafiltration and level of Na. In case of deviations from the established normal values, the system actively notified the doctor (via SMS/messengers) about detected deviations and proposed solutions. The medical staff timely corrected dry weight, duration of procedures, UF rate, volume of fluid removal, sodium content and blood pressure. Results In patients with arterial hypertension (63% of patients), mean systolic BP decreased by 12±6 mmHg and diastolic BP by 10±8 mmHg before dialysis procedure. In this group mean systolic BP decreased by 11±10 mmHg and diastolic BP by 9±8 mmHg during the procedure of hemodialysis. In patients with hypotension, due to “dry weight” increase, correction of Na level, stabilization of BP level was achieved, and mean systolic BP increased by 14±5 mmHg, and diastolic BP by 9±5 mmHg before dialysis procedure. Correction of hemodynamically significant parameters led to a decrease in the incidence of both intradialytic hypotension and hypertension during the hemodialysis procedure. Conclusion Correction of treatment, carried out using MIS with SMS notification of medical staff, improved hemodynamic parameters. Modern medical information systems with a Decision Support System can improve the quality and efficiency of treatment, reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients on hemodialysis.

Dermatosis perforante adquirida e Índice de Calidad de Vida en Dermatología en pacientes en hemodiálisis

IntroductionAcquired perforating dermatosis (APD) is a frequent disorder in hemodialysis patients and the effect on the quality of life is poorly described. We investigated the prevalence of APD in hemodialysis patients, measured and compared APD-associated quality of life. MethodsWe developed a prospective, observational, and descriptive study. We invited patients over the age of 18 in hemodialysis. Data was obtained from their electronic file and a dermatological examination was performed. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was applied. Descriptive analysis of demographic variables, clinical features, and dermoscopy findings, as well as comparison of DLQI scores, was made. ResultsThe sample consisted of 46 patients, with a prevalence of APD of 11%. Patients with APD were leaner and younger compared to patients without APD. The time on hemodialysis was longer in patients with APD compared to those without APD, with a median of 90 versus 32 months (P=.015). The impact on quality of life was greater in patients with APD compared to those without APD, with some effect in all patients with APD and 33% in patients without APD (P=.001). Patients with APD had more frequent pruritus compared to those without APD (P=.007). ConclusionsAge, time on hemodialysis and BMI are associated with the presence of APD. Patients with APD had a higher prevalence of pruritus and a greater impact on quality of life in dermatology compared to patients without APD.

Effect of predialysis fluid overload on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients

Background Sleep disorders are common among end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The etiology of sleep disorders in these patients is known to be multifactorial. However, the role of hydration status in sleep disorders in HD patients is not well studied. Therefore, our aim was to study the effect of predialysis fluid overload on sleep quality in HD patients. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study included 100 prevalent HD patients from the HD unit of El Sahel Teaching Hospital. Fluid status and fluid compartments [total body water), extracellular water (ECW),and overhydration (OH) index] were analyzed by a portable whole-body bioimpedance spectroscopy (body composition monitor) before a mid-week dialysis session. OH was defined as OH/ECW% more than or equal to 15%. HD patients were then classified into two groups: group 1 (normohydrated) and group 2 (overhydrated) according to the relative OH index (OH/ECW%). Sleep quality was assessed in all patients by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Patients with concurrent diagnosis of either obstructive sleep apnea or psychiatric disorder and patients on any medications that affect the sleep pattern were excluded. Results Our study included 100 HD patients (49 male, 51 female; mean age, 49.3 ± 11); 42 (42%) patients had OH (i.e. group 2). Poor sleep quality (defined as PSQI score ≥5) was reported in 57% (n=57) of HD patients included in our study. Poor sleep quality was significantly higher in the HD patients with OH (group 2). Total PSQI scores were significantly higher in overhydrated patients (group 2) compared with normohydrated patients (group 1) (7.92 ± 3.32 vs. 4.83 ± 2.27, P≤0.001). The component scores 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 of the PSQI showed significant higher values (i.e. poor sleep quality) in overhydrated patients (group 2). Moreover, there was significant positive correlation between total PSQI score both of OH (r=0.259, P=0.009) and OH index (OH/ECW%) (r=0.283, P=0.004) in all HD patients included in the study. Conclusion We may conclude from our study that sleep disorders are prevalent in HD patients. Predialysis fluid overload in HD patients may be associated significantly with poor sleep quality.

The Effect of Family-Centered and Peer-Centered Education on the Sleep Quality of Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Sleep disorders in hemodialysis patients are of high prevalence affecting the lives of these patients. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of family-centered and peer-centered education on the sleep quality of hemodialysis patients. In this controlled clinical trial, 90 patients were randomly assigned to three groups (control, family-centered, and peer-centered). All three groups completed Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index before the intervention. The intervention included five training sessions conducted by the researcher according to the patients' needs to improve their sleep quality. Routine ward interventions were performed for the control group. At the end of the study, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was completed by all three groups once again. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 24 software and statistical tests. No significant difference was found between the two intervention and control groups regarding demographic variables and variables related to sleep quality before the intervention (p < .05). However, based on the results of the Wilcoxon test, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean rank of sleep quality in the intervention and control groups after the intervention (p-value = .008), indicating that sleep hygiene education was effective in the two intervention groups. According to the findings, the mean rank of sleep quality in the two intervention groups was significant after the training, indicating the effectiveness of family-centered and peer-centered education. Accordingly, medical healthcare managers, policymakers, and planners, including nurses, are recommended to employ these convenient, safe, and cost-free training methods and provide better sleep quality and more comfort to patients by spending a short period of time for training.

Meta-analysis of ear acupoint therapy to treat sleep disorders in hemodialysis patients

Meta-analysis of ear acupoint therapy to treat sleep disorders in hemodialysis patients

Osteoporosis Risk in Hemodialysis Patients: The Roles of Gender, Comorbidities, Biochemical Parameters, Health and Diet Literacy.

Osteoporosis is a common bone health disorder in hemodialysis patients that is linked with a higher morbidity and mortality rate. While previous studies have explored the associated factors of osteoporosis, there is a lack of studies investigating the impacts of health literacy (HL) and digital healthy diet literacy (DDL) on osteoporosis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the associations of HL, DDL, and other factors with osteoporosis among hemodialysis patients. From July 2020 to March 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 675 hemodialysis patients in eight hospitals in Vietnam. The data were collected by using the osteoporosis self-assessment tool for Asians (OSTA) and the 12-item short form of the health literacy questionnaire (HLS-SF12) on digital healthy diet literacy (DDL) and hemodialysis dietary knowledge (HDK). In addition, we also collected information about the socio-demographics, the clinical parameters, the biochemical parameters, and physical activity. Unadjusted and adjusted multinomial logistic regression models were utilized in order to investigate the associations. The proportion of patients at low, medium, and high levels of osteoporosis risk was 39.6%, 40.6%, and 19.8%, respectively. In the adjusted models, women had a higher likelihood of osteoporosis risk than men (odds ratio, OR, 3.46; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 1.86, 6.44; p < 0.001; and OR, 6.86; 95% CI, 2.96, 15.88; p < 0.001). The patients with rheumatoid arthritis (OR, 4.37; 95% CI, 1.67, 11.52; p = 0.003) and stomach ulcers (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.01, 3.77; p = 0.048) were more likely to have a higher likelihood of osteoporosis risk than those without. The patients who had a higher waist circumference (WC), HL, and DDL were less likely to have a medium level of osteoporosis risk (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92, 0.98; p = 0.004; OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88, 0.96; p < 0.001; OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93, 0.99; p = 0.017, respectively) and a high level of osteoporosis risk (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89, 0.97; p = 0.001; OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84, 0.94; p < 0.001; OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91, 0.99; p = 0.008, respectively) compared with a low level of osteoporosis risk and to those with a lower WC, HL, and DDL. In addition, higher levels of hemoglobin (Hb) (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.66, 0.95; p = 0.014), hematocrit (Hct) (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92, 0.99; p = 0.041), albumin (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83, 0.99; p = 0.030), and education (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.16, 0.88; p = 0.025) were associated with a lower likelihood of a high level of osteoporosis risk. In conclusion, osteoporosis risk is highly prevalent in hemodialysis patients. Improved HL, DDL, education, WC, albumin, Hb, and Hct levels should be considered in preventing hemodialysis patients from developing osteoporosis.

Prevalence of Bone Mineral Disorder in Hemodialysis patients: A Single Centered Study of Local Population

Background: Mineral homeostasis deteriorates when kidney function diminishes, manifesting as variations in blood and tissue levels of calcium and phosphate, followed by the change in circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH). Mineral bone disorders (MBD) are a clinical illness caused by chronic renal disease that expresses as a systemic impairment of mineral and bone metabolism. Aim: To find out prevalence of bone mineral disorders in hemodialysis patients presenting in Nephrology Ward, SIMS. Lahore Methodology: This observational analysis included a total of 88 patients, who were on dialysis at the nephrology department of SHL for the period of more than six months. The study was conducted from 17 September 2021 to 10 March 2022 after the approval of the ethical review board of the Department. According to their blood PTH levels, the patients were split into three groups: those with PTH levels less than 150 pg/ml (low bone turnover), those with PTH levels between 150 and 300 pg/ml (normal bone turnover), and those with PTH levels greater than 300 pg/ml (high bone turnover). Results: The prevalence of bone mineral disorder was 87.5% in hemodialysis patients presenting at the nephrology department, in which prevalence of high turnover bone disorder was 73.9% whereas the prevalence of low turnover bone disorder was 13.6%. In the early dialysis period (0.5-5 years) the prevalence of bone mineral disorders was more prominent as compared to the patients on dialysis for more than 5 years. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of bone mineral disorders, in which patients with high turnover were found to be more prevalent. Similarly, patients in the early years of dialysis are more prone to develop bone mineral disorders. Thus, we should keep these findings in mind while doing the follow up and adjust the medication accordingly. Keywords: Bone Mineral Disorders, Low Turnover Bone Disorders, Hyper Para Thyroid Disorder, Prevalence of Disease

Acid–base balance in hemodialysis patients in everyday practice

Introduction Abnormalities in blood bicarbonates (HCO3 –) concentration are a common finding in patients with chronic kidney disease, especially at the end-stage renal failure. Initiating of hemodialysis does not completely solve this problem. The recommendations only formulate the target concentration of ≥22 mmol/L before hemodialysis but do not guide how to achieve it. The aim of the study was to assess the acid–base balance in everyday practice, the effect of hemodialysis session and possible correlations with clinical and biochemical parameters in stable hemodialysis patients. Material and methods We enrolled 75 stable hemodialysis patients (mean age 65.5 years, 34 women), from a single Department of Nephrology. We assessed blood pressure, and acid–base balance parameters before and after mid-week hemodialysis session. Results We found significant differences in pH, HCO3 – pCO2, lactate before and after HD session in whole group (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p = 0.001, respectively). Buffer bicarbonate concentration had only statistically significant effect on the bicarbonate concentration after dialysis (p < 0.001). Both pre-HD acid–base parameters and post-HD pH were independent from buffer bicarbonate content. We observed significant inverse correlations between change in the serum bicarbonates and only two parameters: pH and HCO3 – before hemodialysis (p = 0.013; p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Despite the improvement in hemodialysis techniques, acid–base balance still remains a challenge. The individual selection of bicarbonate in bath, based on previous single tests, does not improve permanently the acid–base balance in the population of hemodialysis patients. New guidelines how to correct acid–base disorders in hemodialysis patients are needed to have less ‘acidotic’ patients before hemodialysis and less ‘alkalotic’ patients after the session.

A comparison of bone densitometry and mineral disorders in hemodialysis patients due to diabetics and non diabetics patients

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Factors Associated With Insomnia in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.

Introduction: Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder among patients on hemodialysis and has a strong relation with fatigue, depression, low immune system, increased risk of cardiovascular problems, and low quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with insomnia in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients on hemodialysis (75 males and 25 females) from a hemodialysis center in Greece were included. Insomnia was assessed via the "Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS)" and a questionnaire about demographic and clinical characteristics. The Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney tests, and Spearman's rho criterion were used to evaluate the association between insomnia score and patients' characteristics. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess the effect of characteristics on patients' insomnia.Results: Statistically significantly high levels of insomnia were found in patients over the age of 60 years (p = 0.002), in divorced/widowed patients (p = 0.007), in patients who had comorbid diseases (p = 0.001), in patients who felt tired after hemodialysis (p = 0.001), in those who had continuous fatigue (p = 0.001) and change in body image (p = 0.003), in those who often had itching (p = 0.007) and stiffness in joints (p = 0.001) and in patients who had limitations in the clothes they could wear (p = 0.001).Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that insomnia had a strong association with increased age of patients, comorbidities, fatigue, change in body appearance, pruritus, and limitation in clothes they could wear. Therefore, there is a necessity for early assessment of sleep quality and effective treatment of sleep disorders in hemodialysis patients in order to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of their life.

The Relation of Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Level to Protein Energy Wasting in Hemodialysis Patients

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is a major risk for morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The change in the concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) may play a role in PEW. The aim of this work was to study the possible relationship between serum DHEA-S levels and various nutritional and inflammatory parameters in a cohort of HD patients. In total, 78 HD patients (47 males and 31 females) were included in this crosssectional observational study. In addition to taking their history, clinical examinations, and routine laboratory investigations, the nutritional status was assessed, and their serum DHEA-S was measured. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measures, bioelectrical impedance analysis, malnutrition inflammation scores, and subjective global assessments. A diagnosis of malnutrition was made based on the recommendations of the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism. The relationship between DHEA-S and various nutritional parameters was analyzed. Eighteen patients (23.1%) suffered from PEW. Those with PEW had a longer duration of HD (P = 0.04), and lower serum levels of creatinine (P = 0.003), hemoglobin (P = 0.01), albumin (P &lt;0.0001), cholesterol (P = 0.02), and DHEA-S (P = 0.01). Among the variables, serum DHEA-S levels were significant predictors of PEW in this cohort (odds ratio: 0.976; 95% confidence interval: 0.954–1.0; P = 0.04). PEW is frequently encountered in HD patients. Decreased serum DHEA-S levels were associated with PEW in male HD patients. Further studies are needed to assess the effect of hormone supplementation on this serious disorder in HD patients.

Mineral bone disorders in hemodialysis patients in the West of Libya

Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is affecting 5%–10% of the world population. As kidney function declines, there is progressive deterioration in minerals homeostasis manifesting as disruption of serum and tissue concentrations of phosphorus, calcium (Ca), and parathyroid hormone (PTH). CKD-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a systemic disorder of mineral and bone metabolism manifested by any or a combination of the following: abnormalities of Ca, phosphorus, PTH, Vitamin D metabolism, abnormalities of bone turnover, and vascular or soft-tissue calcification, associated with fractures, cardiovascular disease, and mortality in CKD patients. The study aims to identify the prevalence and pattern of CKD-MBD among hemodialysis patients in the west of Libya. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 186 regular hemodialysis patients from five hemodialysis centers in the west of Tripoli-Libya District. All patients were investigated for complete blood count, blood sugar, serum albumin, blood urea, serum creatinine, total Ca level, serum phosphate, serum alkaline phosphatase, and serum intact PTH (iPTH) level. Results: According to the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality (KDOQ) iPTH level guideline, 88.10% of the studied patients had metabolic bone disorders, and 39.80% showed low bone turnover. About 48.40% were high bone turnover; only 11.80% of studied patients were within the target range according to the KDOQ Initiative guidelines. About 40.36% of studied patients had low calcium levels (below 8.5 mg%), and 35.48% had high phosphorus levels (more than 5.5 mg%). About 61.10% of high bone turnover patients complain of bone pain and 50.50% complain of muscle weakness. Among low bone turnover patients, 36.48% had no symptoms, and 28.38% were complaining of both muscle weakness and bone pain. Conclusions: The prevalence of MBDs among studied patients with abnormal PTH levels is 87.6%, distributed as 39.2% in abnormal low PTH (low bone turnover), and 48.4% in abnormal high PTH (high bone turnover).

Investigating the Effect of Cold Water Bags on the Severity of Restless Leg Syndrome and Sleep Quality in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder in hemodialysis patients that causes disturbance and disability in rest, discomfort, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and stress. Objectives: This study was done to evaluate the effect of cold water bags on the severity of restless leg syndrome and sleep quality in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study (before and after) performed on patients referring to three hospitals in Yazd province. In this study, 40 patients with restless legs syndrome were selected from all patients who were referred to the hemodialysis ward by simple random sampling. The samples completed the Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms Severity Questionnaire before and after using the cold water bag. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 software and descriptive statistics and paired t-test at the significance level of &lt; 0.05. Results: This study showed a significant difference between the mean score of restless leg syndrome and sleep quality before and after the interventions (P = 0.000). Furthermore, the mean scores of restless leg syndrome and sleep quality were different between the two intervention groups and statistically significant (P = 0.000). Conclusions: Based on the results, using a water bag reduces the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Therefore, it is suggested that cold water bags should be used as an effective, safe, low-cost method.

Analysis of the Improvement of Sleep Disorder in Hemodialysis Patients by Exercise Rehabilitation

Analysis of the Improvement of Sleep Disorder in Hemodialysis Patients by Exercise Rehabilitation

The Association of Sleep Quality and Vitamin D Levels in Hemodialysis Patients.

Background To date, hemodialysis (HD) is the most common therapy for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, it causes different complications such as sleep disorders. Sleep regulation is connected to vitamin D; hence, its deficiency might influence the quality and duration of sleep. This study is aimed at evaluating the correlation of sleep quality and vitamin D levels in 80 HD patients. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on 80 hemodialysis patients admitted to 29 Bahman hospitals in Tabriz, Iran. Before beginning of dialysis, serum 25 (OH) D levels were assessed among patients and the sleep patterns and sleep quality of patients were accurately calculated by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) standard questionnaire. Results Our results showed that 22 HD patients (27.5%) had severe sleep disorders. In addition, it was found that serum levels of vitamin D had significant correlation with sleep quality (r = −0.341, p = 0.002) in general, even after adjusting confounding factors such as calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) level. In poor sleepers (PSQI ≤ 5), a negative correlation was observed between the levels of vitamin D and PSQI score (r = −0.397, p = 0.004). PSQI scores in the normal range of PTH (r = −0.377, p = 0.006) and in >600 pg/ml of PTH (r = −0.675, p = 0.011) had a correlation with vitamin D levels. The level of vitamin D was the single independent predictor of sleep efficiency (β coefficient = −0.386, p = 0.001). Conclusion The present project reported that the positive effect of vitamin D is associated with sleep disorder in HD patients. In future studies, normal levels of Ca and P should be considered along with normal vitamin D levels among the included patients.