Investigation and influencing factors of symptomatic burden in patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD)

Objective To investigat the symptom burden of patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) and explore the influencing factors of them, in order to provide the basis for improving the quality of life of these patients. Methods A total of 230 patients with MHD were enrolled in Xiangtan Central Hospital from January 2016 to December 2016, the general condition and disease-related data of them were collected, and the symptom burden of them over the past week was assessed by improved symptom burden scale. Results ① The average age of these patients were (56.8±14.1)years, the sex ratio for men and women was 1.37∶1, the median time of dialysis was 24 months, and the frequency of dialysis was (9.16±2.36)times; ② The symptom score in MHD patients was (65.72±28.46)points, the top 5 symptoms which had higher incidence were fatigue (72.2%), dry mouth (63.5%), itching (61.3%), falling asleep difficultly (54.3%), drying (49.2%), the top 5 symptoms which were more troubling were restless legs syndrome (2.54±0.73), falling asleep difficultly (2.48±0.83), bone/joint pain (2.45±0.69), fatigue (2.31±0.77), easy to wake up (2.16±0.78); ③ Age, sex, occupation, dialysis age, inorganic phosphorus and serum calcium had an effect on the symptom burden of MHD patients (P<0.05). Conclusions We should focus on patients who are older, female, retired or no occupation, longer dialysis age, calcium or phosphorus metabolism disorders, provide targeted care and treatment, in order to reduce the symptom burden and improve the life quality of them. Key words: Renal dialysis; Signs and symptoms; Cost of illness; Questionnaires