Suitability of vigilance test data as a neurobehavioral measure of uremic status

A vigilance/continuous performance test was designed to be used for the serial testing of patients on chronic maintenance hemodialysis therapy. Correct detections, false alarms, and reaction time provided measures of an attentional deficit. A matched sample of 28 patients and 28 controls composed of nondialysands were tested. No significant differences were found between groups in correct detections and false alarms. Reaction time discriminated younger and older subjects and also dialysands and controls. The clinical usage of the test is questioned because patients resist taking the test on a serial basis every 2 wk. Motivational factors or lack of willingness to be compliant outweighed technical accomplishments.