Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients Research Articles

Correlation between Acid-base Environment and Coronary Artery Calcification in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Correlation between Acid-base Environment and Coronary Artery Calcification in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Influencing factors and prognosis of blood pressure variability in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Influencing factors and prognosis of blood pressure variability in maintenance hemodialysis patients

The impact of accessibility to non-calcium-based phosphate binders and calcimimetics on mineral outcomes in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: A 10-year retrospective analysis of real-world data.

Hyperphosphatemia and hyperparathyroidism are common in end-stage kidney disease and are associated with poor outcomes. In addition to adequate dialysis, medications are usually required for optimum control of serum phosphate and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The use of calcium-based phosphate binders (CBPBs) and active vitamin D is associated with an increase in serum calcium and worsening vascular calcification. To overcome these limitations, non-calcium-based phosphate binders (NCBPBs) and calcimimetics have been developed. However, the coverage for these new medications remains limited in several parts of the world due to the lack of patient-level outcome data and cost. The present study examined the differences in mineral outcomes between two main categories of healthcare programs that provided different coverage for medications used to control mineral and bone disorders (MBD). The Social Security/Universal Coverage (SS/UC) program covered only CBPBs and active vitamin D, whereas the Civil Servant/State Enterprise (CS/SE) program provided coverage of CBPBs, active vitamin D, NCBPBs, and calcimimetics. This 10-year retrospective cohort study examined the differences in mineral outcomes between two healthcare programs in maintenance hemodialysis patients. The differences in serum calcium, phosphate, and PTH levels, as well as the aortic arch calcification score, were analyzed according to dialysis vintage by linear mixed-effects regression analyses. The difference in the composite outcome of severe hyperparathyroidism and parathyroidectomy was analyzed by the Cox-proportional hazard regression model. 714 patients were included in the analyses (full cohort). Of these patients, 563 required at least one type of medication to control MBD (MBD medication subgroup). Serum calcium, phosphate, and the proportions of patients with hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia were substantially higher in the SS/UC group compared with the CS/SE group after appropriate adjustments for confounders in both the full cohort and the MBD medication subgroup. These findings were confirmed in propensity-score matched analyses. Higher parathyroid hormone levels and a higher rate of the composite endpoint of severe hyperparathyroidism and parathyroidectomy were also observed in the SS/UC group. A more rapid progression of aortic arch calcification was suggested in the SS/UC group, but between-group changes were not significant. Patients under the healthcare program that did not cover the use of NCBPBs and calcimimetics showed higher serum calcium and phosphate levels and a more rapid progression of hyperparathyroidism. The difference in the progression of vascular calcification could not be confirmed in the present study.

Efficacy of roxadustat in maintenance hemodialysis patients with erythropoietin-hyporesponsive anemia.

To investigate the efficacy of roxadustat in hemodialysis patients with erythropoietin (EPO) hypo-responsive anemia. This retrospective study included 55 hemodialysis patients with erythropoietin hypo-responsive anemia at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January to December 2020. We observed their hemoglobin (Hb) changes, inflammatory factors, and adverse reactions before and after 12 weeks of roxadustat treatment. Among the 55 patients, the average age was 60.75 ± 13.96 years old, and the median dialysis age was 48 months. All patients were taken off EPO and switched to roxadustat during the follow-up period. Compared with baseline, patients' Hb was significantly increased (90.64 ± 20.01 g/L, 98.52 ± 15.89 g/L, 104.34 ± 19.15 g/L, and 107.02 ± 20.54 g/L, respectively) (p < 0.05). At 12 weeks of roxadustat treatment, 34 patients (61.82%) met the target Hb levels (100 - 130 g/L). The multivariate logistic analysis showed that Hb response positively correlated with the Hb level before roxadustat treatment (p = 0.046), while responding well to roxadustat negatively correlated with blood platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and duration of dialysis (p = 0.029 and p = 0.046) in patients with EPO hypo-responsive anemia. Roxadustat could effectively improve anemia; the PLR and dialysis age were independent predictors of roxadustat efficacy in dialysis patients with EPO hypo-responsive anemia.

Hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase domain inhibitors may mitigate loss of skeletal muscle mass in haemodialysis patients

AbstractBackgroundChronic kidney disease patients particularly with renal anaemia hyporesponsive to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) are at a greater risk of having skeletal muscle mass (SMM) loss. Hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase domain inhibitor (HIF‐PHI), a novel therapeutic agent for renal anaemia, potentially promotes angiogenesis, muscle repair, and homeostasis. However, effects of HIF‐PHIs on SMM remain unknown.MethodsThis retrospective observational cohort study enrolled 292 Japanese adults receiving maintenance haemodialysis at our dialysis centre. The dataset included 11 patients who received daprodustat for 6 months or longer during 1 December 2020 through 30 June 2022. From the previously published pooled cohort, we enrolled 281 participants from 1 August 2018 to 31 July 2019 prior to the approval of HIF‐PHIs for renal anaemia. SMM was assessed using modified creatinine index (mg/kg/day) calculated by age, sex, serum creatinine, and single‐pool Kt/V. Annual changes of SMM [ΔSMM (%)] were analysed with the least squares regression model and mixed‐effects model during 6‐ to 12‐month follow‐up period.ResultsThe median age of the participants was 63 years [interquartile range (IQR), 54–71 years], and 33% were female. The median ΔSMM levels (IQR) in the least squares regression model were 4.0% (−1.7% to 9.3%) in the HIF‐PHI group, 0.20% (−2.1% to 2.1%) in the no ESA group, and −0.94% (−3.0% to 1.3%) in the high ESA group using darbepoetin equivalent to 20 μg or more per week. Those in the mixed‐effects model were −1.7% (−1.2% to 3.8%), 0.09% (−1.4% to 1.3%), and −0.74% (−2.0% to 0.8%), respectively. The multivariable linear regression models revealed that HIF‐PHI use was associated with greater ΔSMM compared with the high ESA group [coefficient, 3.737; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.216–6.258 in the least squares regression model or coefficient, 1.635; 95% CI, 0.068–3.201 in the mixed‐effects model, respectively].ConclusionsHIF‐PHI use led to greater ΔSMM in maintenance haemodialysis patients. HIF‐PHIs may minimize loss of SMM in patients with end‐stage kidney disease and renal anaemia.

Influences of trans-theoretical model-based diet nursing intervention on sarcopenia and quality of life in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Objective: to explore the influences of a trans-theoretical model-based diet nursing intervention on sarcopenia and quality of life in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Methods: the clinical data of 243 patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. A 1:1 orientation score matching (PSM) method was adopted, and patients with different intervention methods were matched based on gender, age, education time, dialysis age, body mass index, underlying diseases, annual income, and whether they were malnourished. Finally, 82 cases were included in the control group (routine nursing and dietary guidance) and 80 cases in the intrevention group (dietary nursing intervention based on the trans-theoretical model), respectively. Results: After PSM, 82 cases in the control group and 80 cases in the intrevention group were included in the study. After the intervention, the incidence of sarcopenia, the extracellular water rate (ECF/TBF) value, and the malnutrition rate of the intrevention group were lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05); the scores of self-care, facing difficulties, potassium intake management, salt intake management, fluid restriction management, the levels of serum albumin, prealbumin and transferrin were all higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05); the SF-36 Concise Health Scale score of the intrevention group was higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The 1-year survival rate in the intrevention group (95.00 %) was higher than that in the control group (85.37 %) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: a TTM-based diet nursing intervention can help improve the dietary management behavior of MHD patients, prevent malnutrition, reduce the incidence of sarcopenia, and improve their quality of life and survival rate.

Research Progress of Family Adjustment in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Research Progress of Family Adjustment in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Treatment-related Problems and Countermeasures for Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis Following Tropical Cyclones: A Scoping Review.

Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis face heightened vulnerability during disasters like tropical cyclones, yet there is sparse research on their treatment-related challenges and countermeasures. This scoping review aims to highlight the issues maintenance hemodialysis patients encounter following tropical cyclones. A systematic scoping review of 19 articles from 2000 to 2023 was conducted, evaluating eligibility against predefined criteria. Hemodialysis patients encounter substantial challenges during and after tropical cyclones in the United States, Puerto Rico, Australia, and Taiwan. Thematic analysis identified 3 themes related to "challenges" (Hemodialysis health-related challenges, socially relevant challenges, and challenges of management inefficiencies). "Recommendations" comprised 4 themes and 4 phases across the "mitigation phase" (fortifying healthcare infrastructure and mobilizing community-focused risk mitigation initiatives), "preparedness" (emergency plan development, training, and patient education), "response" (activation of emergency plans and providing emergency healthcare services), and "recovery" (intersectoral collaboration for recovery and rebuilding). This scoping review underscores challenges confronted by patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis post-tropical cyclones, highlighting the urgent need for targeted strategies to ensure the continuity of dialysis care during and after such disasters.

Physical Performance of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health burden with high costs to the health system. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality as well as a reduced quality of life. With the increase in the number of maintenance hemodialysis patients, debilitating conditions of muscle wasting and atrophy have become one of the biggest concerns for patients with CKD. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluation and measure the physical performance level of patients with chronic kidney disease and undergoing regular hemodialysis through using a short physical performance battery (SPPB) scale. Methods: A descriptive design study (cross-sectional) was conducted on participants selected from the Dialysis Kidney Unit at Al-Sadder Medical Hospital in Al-Najaf City in order to achieve the study aim. The period of study is from 20th December 2020 to 28th February 2021. A Non- Probability (purposive sample) technique was used consisted of (62) patients who are medically diagnosed with CKD and undergoing hemodialysis included in the present study. The data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of three parts, including socio-demographic, clinical data form, and short physical performance battery (SPPB) scale. Results: Show that there is a significant difference between means throughout three periods of test-1 (6.10), test-2 (6.16), and test-3 (5.40) at P=0.024, that the levels of all of the physical performance are below the predicted levels at the baseline evaluation and they still deteriorate even at the third evaluation The results indicated that the poor physical performance of patients suffer from chronic kidney disease and undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Conclusion: Patients with chronic kidney disease and undergoing hemodialysis have a low level of physical performance. This result is related to the physical activity regarding the population on hemodialysis, not being related to the demographic and clinical data evaluated.

Improvement Effect of Resistance Training on the Phase Angle of Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Case Report

Improvement Effect of Resistance Training on the Phase Angle of Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Case Report

Rate of Arteriovenous Fistula Stenosis and Access Recirculation among Individuals Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis

Background: Arteriovenous fistula stenosis and access recirculation in hemodialysis represent critical challenges, influencing the efficiency of vascular access and dialysis treatment outcomes. Objective: The objective is to assess the prevalence of arteriovenous fistula (the AVF) stenosis as well as access recirculation (AR) in patients of hemodialysis. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Settings: Department of Nephrology, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta. Duration: From 1st April 2022 to 1st September, 2022. Methods: Adult patients having age 18 years to 80 years receiving maintenance hemodialysis 3 times in a week were included in this study. Patients who were willing to provide informed consent participated in the study. Patients with active infections or sepsis, with a history of vascular access interventions within the last three months, pregnant or lactating women as well as patients with cognitive impairment were excluded from study. Outcome variables will be incidence of AVF Stenosis which was determined by regular ultrasound assessments and monitoring of clinical symptoms. Statistical analyses were performed using SPS version 22. Results: The study comprised 150 maintenance hemodialysis patients with a mean age of 55±10. Age distribution showed that 20% were between 18-40 years, 53.3% between 41-60 years, 23.3% between 61-80 years, and 3.3% were older than 80 years. Sixty percent (60%) of the participants were male, while 40% were female. The mean duration of AV fistula use was 3.21± 2.65 years, with 14.66% having duration of 6-12 months, 41.33% between 1-3 years, and 44% using AV fistulas for more than 3 years. Seventy-five point three percent (75.3%) of patients had hypertension, 40.0% had diabetes mellitus, and 28.0% had cardiovascular disease. Additionally, 16.7% of patients presented with other comorbidities. Out of total 25 (16.7%) patients were affected by arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis, while access recirculation was observed in 20 patients (13.3%). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study reveals a notable incidence of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis and access recirculation among maintenance hemodialysis patients. The observed associations with age and AVF duration underscore the complexity of vascular access complications.

Interactive effects of vitamin D and serum uric acid concentration on protein-energy wasting in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

This study aimed to explore the influence of the interaction between vitamin D level and blood uric acid level on protein-energy wasting (PEW) in patients with Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), in order to provide a solution for disease prevention. For this aim, a total of 150 patients with maintenance hemodialysis aged 30-79 years in a hospital were included in the study. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between vitamin D level, blood uric acid level and PEW, and the additive interaction was evaluated by calculating the relative excess risk ratio (RERI) attributive ratio (AP) and synergy index (S) of the interaction. Finally, the ROC curve was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic value of vitamin D level and blood uric acid level for PEW. In this study, the detection rate of PEW was 68%, low vitamin D level was 57.33%, and high blood uric acid level was 64.67%. Compared with non-low vitamin D levels, the PEW risk was OR=16.794, 95%CI: 4.973-60.356; Compared with those without high uric acid levels, the PEW risk was OR=7.599, 95%CI: 2.460-23.468. However, there was no multiplicative interaction between the two on PEW risk (OR=0.345, 95%CI: 0.060-1.983, P=0.233). In the additive interaction analysis, the PEW risk OR=43.992,95%CI: 12.795-151.253, higher than those with only high uric acid levels or only low vitamin D levels, the combination of the two had a summative interaction with PEW risk, with a RERI of 20.599 (95%CI: -26.158-67.356) API was 0.468 (-0.159-1.095) and S was 1.920 (0.569-6.483). In conclusion, both vitamin D deficiency and high uric acid levels were associated with an increased risk of PEW in MHD patients, and low vitamin D and high uric acid levels had a summative interaction with protein-energy expenditure risk.

Understanding among dialysis therapist and technologist about prevention protocols of COVID-19 in north-west zone of India: a questionnaire-based survey

Background: All over the world human community fighting with COVID-19. It affected a large number of population. Our immune system helps fighting with COVID-19, CKD patients which are on MHD are more prone to COVID-19 infection. MHD patient required twice or thrice a week dialysis. During dialysis, a therapist plays a major role in COVID-19 HD procedure of CKD patients. Dialysis therapist works like a frontline warrior. Aim was to observe the understanding of dialysis therapist/technologist about COVID-19 protocols for prevention of COVID-19 infection. Methods: A total 122 responder from northwest zone of India attended question-based survey form on the understanding of the infection prevention procedure of COVID-19 maintenance hemodialysis patients. Question set was based on union health ministry of Indian government guideline for dialysis unit set up for COVID-19 patients, Dialysis therapist and patents care taker. Data collection was done by online sampling method. Results: Study observed dialysis therapist of northwest India about understanding of COVID-19 prevention protocols. Approximate- 122 participants include in this study. But major case of COVID-19 treating in government sector hospitals. This study observed that mostly participants have good understanding about COVID-19 infection prevention protocols. Conclusions: Required a regular education training program for all government and private sector health workers for infection control practices of COVID-19. Dialysis therapist and other health workers are doing work like a frontline warrior, their safety is a major concern so we can avoid the risk of transmission of disease to dialysis therapist.

The Impact of Medium Cut-Off Dialyzers on Malnutrition-Inflammation Scores in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Introduction: Medium cut-off (MCO) membranes may be able to remove middle-large uremic toxins that are retained in the body, which has been linked to various risk factors including malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS). The effect of MCO dialyzers on MIS has been studied. Methods: This single-center exploratory prospective observational study enrolled maintenance hemodialysis patients who underwent dialysis using either MCO (Theranova 400) or high-flux (FX80) membranes as part of their regular care. Measurements of MIS, body weight, height, body mass index, and various biochemical markers were taken at the beginning and conclusion of the study. Results: This study included 50 patients who were treated with either the Theranova 400 (n = 25) or the FX80 (n = 25) for a period of 6 months. The two groups were similar in terms of demographics, duration of hemodialysis treatment, and baseline biochemical test results. Theranova 400 had no significant impact on the median MIS (6 [6–10] vs. 7 [5-10], p 0.575) and serum albumin levels (4.07 [3.92–4.22] vs. 4.04 [3.85–4.30], p 0.689), while the FX80 resulted in a significant increase in MIS (6 [5–8] vs. 8 [6–10], p 0.033) and a significant decrease in serum albumin levels (4.23 [4.03–4.36] vs. 3.98 [3.77–4.12], p 0.027) at the end of the study. Discussion/Conclusion: After 6 months of treatment, the MCO dialyzer did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in the MIS when compared to the high-flux dialyzer. However, MIS worsening was significantly less in the MCO group, indicating the potential benefits of MCO membranes in maintaining nutritional status. Further research is required to validate these results.

The Role of Muscle Ultrasonography to Diagnose Malnutrition and Sarcopenia in Maintenance Hemodialysis

Sarcopenia and malnutrition are commonly seen and fundamental indicators of prognosis and are directly associated with increased mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. We aimed to reveal the frequency of malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients undergoing MHD and investigate the role of muscle ultrasound (US) parameters to predict sarcopenia and malnutrition. A total of 45 patients who have undertaken MHD for more than 6months three times a week were evaluated for the present study. The US measurement was performed on gastrocnemius medialis, rectus femoris (RF), and abdominal muscles, including rectus abdominis, external oblique abdominalis, internal oblique abdominalis, and transversus abdominis. Nutritional status of the participants was assessed by mini-nutritional assessment short-form (MNA-SF). The prevalence of probable and confirmed sarcopenia was 51.1% (n=23) and 35.6% (n=16), respectively. The malnutrition and risk of malnutrition were observed in 31.1% of the whole study population (n=14). All muscle US measurements were lower in the sarcopenic group; however, the difference is meaningful only for RF cross-sectional area (CSA) (P=.046). The malnourished group had substantially lower muscle thickness and CSA, except for the gastrocnemius muscle thickness. The value of RFCSA to predict sarcopenia and malnutrition was observed as 4.61cm2, respectively (P<.05). RFCSA was independently associated with sarcopenia (odds ratio: 0.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.17-0.79; P=.011) and malnutrition (odds ratio: 0.45; 95% confidence interval: 0.23-0.87; P=.017). RFCSA may be a useful and simple predictor for predicting patients undergoing hemodialysis who are at risk of sarcopenia and malnutrition.

Diaphragmatic dysfunction in hemodialysis patients: risk factors and effect of incentive spirometry training

BackgroundDiaphragmatic dysfunction (DD) in hemodialysis patients is a scarcely studied issue. Incentive spirometry (IS) is a commonly prescribed maneuver used to prevent or manage pulmonary complications. The present study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors of DD in 100 HD patients. Moreover, we assessed the role of IS in management of DD in those patients.MethodsThe present study followed a hybrid design with two phases. In the first cross-sectional phase, 100 consecutive maintenance HD patients for at least 3 years were evaluated for the presence of DD using ultrasound. In the second interventional phase, patients with DD (n = 43) were randomly assigned to receive IS (n = 22) or standard care (n = 21) for management of DD.ResultsComparison between patients with DD and patients without regarding clinical and laboratory data revealed that the former group had significantly higher frequency of males [29 (67.4%)/14 (32.6%) vs. 26 (45.6%)/31 (54.4%), p = 0.03] with lower BMI [23.8 ± 3.8 vs. 26.3 ± 3.5 kg/m2, p < 0.001] and longer HD duration (82.2 ± 42.1 vs. 64.8 ± 36.9 months, p = 0.031). Moreover, it was noted that DD group had significantly higher frequency of patients with moderate/severe malnutrition (81.4% vs. 45.6%, p = 0.005), lower Hb levels (9.6 ± 1.5 vs. 10.3 ± 1.4 gm/dL, p = 0.011), lower albumin levels (3.4 ± 0.4 vs. 4.1 ± 0.5 gm/dL, p < 0.001) and higher hsCRP levels [median (IQR) 113.6 (90.9–130.4) vs. 91.1 (50.9–105.6) mg/dL, p < 0.001] as compared to patients without DD. While no significant differences were found between patients receiving study interventions at baseline, patients submitted to IS training showed significant improvement of diaphragmatic excursion measurements as compared to the standard care group.ConclusionsIn conclusion, DD is commonly encountered in HD patients. Probable risk factors include longer HD duration and low albumin levels. Use of IS can improve diaphragmatic excursion in affected patients.

Serum magnesium level and cardiac valve calcification in hemodialysis patients

IntroductionCardiac valve calcification is closely related to cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the magnesium level and cardiac valve calcification in hemodialysis patients.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 105 maintenance hemodialysis patients with complete follow-up data from June 2020 to May 2021 in Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University. Baseline data, including sex, age, primary disease, liver and kidney function, electrolytes and parathyroid hormone, were recorded. According to their echocardiograms, patients were divided into a cardiac valve calcification group and a noncardiac valve calcification group, and the correlations between valve calcification and clinical data were analyzed.ResultsOf 105 patients under hemodialysis, 60 (56.6%) were male, with an average age of 62.1 ± 13.5 years and a mean dialysis duration of 58.8 ± 45.4 months. The majority of primary renal diseases were diabetic nephropathy (55, 51.9%). Approximately 64.8% of the 105 maintenance hemodialysis patients had cardiac valve calcification, and 35.2% were in the noncardiac valve calcification group. The independent t test and the chi-square test analysis showed that the cardiac valve calcification group had older age, higher smoking rate, diabetes mellitus, lower extremity arterial occlusion, coronary heart disease, and coronary artery calcification ratio but lower parathyroid hormone, serum calcium, serum magnesium, albumin, prealbumin, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery calcification, lower serum magnesium, lower serum calcium, and lower parathyroid hormone levels were associated with valve calcification.ConclusionThe presence of cardiac valve calcification was associated with age, calcium, phosphorus and lower magnesium level. These factors we should pay more attention in clinical practice.

Association of intradialysis blood sodium level, blood pressure variability, and hydration status with hemodialysis-related headache: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo identify primary factors contributing to hemodialysis-related headache (HRH) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients.MethodsAdult outpatients receiving MHD were prospectively enrolled from a hemodialysis (HD) center of a tertiary hospital in China. Twelve dialysis sessions were successively monitored for each patient. HRH is defined as having at least three headache episodes that begin during HD and resolve within 72 h of HD session completion. Blood gas analysis during headache episodes and body composition analysis after dialysis were conducted. Hour-to-hour vital sign variability during dialysis was assessed using the metric of average real variability (ARV). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors triggering HRH.ResultsA total of 95 Chinese MHD patients were enrolled, with 92 patients (60.9% were males) included in the final analysis. The mean age of the 92 patients was 59.3 ± 17.5 years, and the median dialysis vintage was 27.1 (12–46.2) months. Among them, 12 patients (13%) complained of 42 headache attacks, and eight (8.7%) were diagnosed with HRH. For eight patients with HRH, headache occurred 100.3 ± 69.5 min after the start of dialysis, with a mean VAS score of 4.3 ± 1 points. The quality of headaches was dull (six patients), pulsating (one patient), or stabbing pain (one patient); all the headaches were bilateral, with one having concomitant vomiting. The intradialysis headache duration and the whole headache duration were 98.8 ± 68.1 and 120 (65–217.5) minutes, respectively. Younger age (OR = 0.844, 95% CI 0.719–0.991, p = 0.039), decreased blood sodium level (OR = 0.309 in the range of 133–142 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.111–0.856, p = 0.024), increased ARV of intradialysis systolic blood pressure (OR = 3.067, 95% CI 1.006–9.348, p = 0.049) and ratio of overhydration to dry weight (OR = 1.990, 95% CI 1.033–3.832, p = 0.040) were found to be independent risk factors for HRH.ConclusionsThis study suggested a significant attribution of blood sodium, hydration status and blood pressure variability to HRH.

Monitoring of ionized magnesium in hemodialysis patients: A useful tool to allow a personalized prescription of dialysate composition

Background and aimsThe dialysate magnesium (Mg) concentration is a major determinant of Mg balance in hemodialysis. This study aimed to assess the systemic variations of total (tMg) and ionized Mg (iMg) during a dialysis session using acetate or citrate fluids and 0.5 or 0.75 mM Mg. Materials and methods134 patients in maintenance hemodialysis were assigned to a dialysis session with 4 different dialysates: acetate fluid with 0.5 mM Mg (1) or 0.75 mM Mg (2), citrate fluid with 0.5 mM Mg (3) or 0.75 mM Mg (4). Ionized form was measured by direct ion-selective electrode. ResultsA Mg loss was observed in both acetate (0.12 and 0.08 mmol/L) and citrate (0.13 and 0.14 mmol/L for tMg and iMg, respectively) fluid groups containing 0.5 mM Mg. The use of acetate and citrate dialysates with 0.75 mM Mg led to a significant median intra-dialytic increase of 0.15 and 0.08 mmol/L for tMg, respectively. A significant augmentation in iMg concentration with acetate (0.11 mmol/L) but not with citrate dialysate (0.02 mmol/L) was observed. ConclusionWhile a dialysate Mg concentration at 0.5 mM leads to a negative balance, increasing the concentration to 0.75 mM significantly raises post-dialysis circulating Mg. Monitoring of iMg should allow a personalized prescription in dialysate Mg.

Influencing factors of hospitalization in maintenance haemodialysis outpatients after a diagnosis of COVID-19

Background The clinical manifestations of maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) outpatients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are highly heterogeneous. They are prone to progress to severe conditions, and they often require hospitalization. To better guide the management of MHD outpatients, this retrospective observational study assessed risk factors for hospitalization of MHD patients after a diagnosis of COVID-19. Methods The demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory indicators and imaging data of 128 MHD outpatients at our haemodialysis centre with confirmed COVID-19 infection from December 2022 to January 2023 were collected. The relationships between these factors and hospitalization of patients were analyzed. Results Among the 128 patients, 25 (19.53%) were hospitalized. One of the 25 inpatients was mechanically ventilated, and two of them died. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the hospitalization rate was correlated with age, comorbid diabetes and peripheral blood lymphocyte count. Conclusion Older age, comorbid diabetes and lower lymphocyte count are important risk factors for hospitalization of MHD outpatients after a diagnosis of COVID-19. Focusing on these factors may help in early identification of patients who may need to be admitted due to potential disease progression.