Medical problems in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis and their therapy

Background It was reported that hemodialysis (HD) with either a new or reused dialyzer raises medical problems that require therapeutic regimens. This study aimed to investigate the medical problems and their management in patients undergoing HD. Methods This study was conducted by prospectively observing patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing HD. The incidence of medical problems and the treatment given were recorded. Results Among 351 cases of HD, medical problems occurred in 15.7% of cases, including hypotension as the most dominant, followed by muscle cramps, shivering, headache, asphyxia, fever, chest pain, and pruritus. Hypotension was ameliorated with intravenous 40% dextrose and normal saline. Muscle cramps were overcome with 40% dextrose, normal saline, methampyrone, and calcium gluconate. Shivering was managed by warming the patients followed by intravenous methampyrone, 40% dextrose, and normal saline. Meanwhile, headache was reduced by paracetamol or intravenous methampyrone and 40% dextrose. Fever was treated by intravenous methampyrone or oral paracetamol. Pruritus was managed by intravenous dexamethasone and diphenhydramine. Conclusions Medical problems occurring during HD are prevalent and need immediate therapy. Pharmacists and clinicians should work in collaboration to improve the patients' quality of life.