Abstract
Symptoms can markedly influence the hemodialysis patients well-being and quality of life. The aim of this paper is to study the frequency of symptoms at home and how these relate to biochemical and treatment variables.
Seventy-three hemodialysis patients were questioned on the absence, occasional presence or daily recurrence (score = 0, 1, 2) of 14 symptoms and a record was made of their biochemical parameters, age, time on treatment and KtIV as a function of each symptom.
The following relationships were detected: thirst with high Osm and BUN; asthenia with old age and hypoalbuminemia; insomnia with hypercalcemia; hypersomnia with hypoxemia and hypernatremia; anorexia with hypokalemia; dyspnea with old age, hypernatremia and hypokalemia; dysgeusia with hypoxemia; nausea with alkalemia, hypoxemia and low BUN; vomiting with alkalemia. Pruritus, arthralgia, restless legs syndrome, cramp and tremor showed no relationships.
Monitoring acid-base balance and plasma electrolytes could help to alleviate symptoms and ameliorate quality of life of hemodialysis patients.
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