(37) Assessment of Neurological Complications in Hemodialysis Patients

Publication Number: 368

Background: Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis are frequently afflicted with neurological complications that can have a significant impact on patient mortality and morbidity.

Objectives: To assess the occurrence of neurological complications in hemodialysis patients from two hospitals in southern India

Methods: An observational study was conducted to assess the neurological complications in hemodialysis patients. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) was diagnosed using the International restless leg syndrome study group (IRLSSG) criteria. The patients were evaluated physically using the IRLSSG rating scale and Quality of life using WHO-BREF Scale and Sleep quality by Pittsburgh sleepiness Scale, Survey questions of muscle cramps and pain by Wrong–Bakers faces Rating Scale.

Results: Among 42 patients, (57.1%) were male and (42.9%) were female. The most common age group found were 51-60(33.3%) followed by 41-50 (23.8%). Subjects in Lower middle socio-economics status was most common (33.3%) followed by upper-middle (28.5%).and the majority of subjects received 3 medications (42%) followed by 2 medications (36%) Patients with 1 comorbidity were (64.2%) followed by 2 were (30%). Neurological complications found in the subjects were RLS (40%), Poor sleep (38%), muscle cramps (50%), pain (40%). In hemodialysis subjects, the highest quality of life score was observed in the psychological domain (57±6.4) followed by the environment domain (50±8.1), physical health domain (45.59±5.48) and social relationship domain (32.2±10.8). Moreover, no subjects were found or treated for any neurological complications.

Conclusions: The presence of neurological complications impaired quality of life among hemodialysis subjects exists. There is a scope for assessment and treatment for neurological complications.