Psychological and physiological factors predicting the outcome on home hemodialysis

As part of a study of "Adaptation to home dialysis" we have examined psychological, physiological, and social factors influencing the success of 136 patients on home hemodialysis, followed for greater than 18 months. The study has demonstrated specific physical, psychological, and stress factors associated with increased probability of failure on home hemodialysis. In those under 45 years of age, the profile of failure is of higher diastolic blood pressure in training, more frequent episodes of congestive heart failure, higher levels of stress associated with varying health and loss of sleep and greater anxiety and depression. In the older age group failure was associated with higher levels of depression and self depreciation, and higher levels of stress associated with fear of death, pain during dialysis and blood clotting. On the other hand, higher denial levels were positively correlated with success. There were no significant differences between profiles of those patients who succeeded and those who died. Although analysis is based on a retrospective study, the time sequence between data collection and end points suggests that patient profiling can be used in a predictive manner. The study emphasizes the importance of psychological and social factor analysis in the overall management of the patient with renal failure.