Mediating role of social support in dysphoria,despondency,and quality of life in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

BACKGROUND Dysphoria and despondency are prevalent psychological issues in patients undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis(MHD)that significantly affect their quality of life(QOL).High levels of social support can significantly improve the physical and mental well-being of patients undergoing MHD.Currently,there is limited research on how social support mediates the relationship between dysphoria,despondency,and overall QOL in patients undergoing MHD.It is imperative to investigate this mediating effect to mitigate dysphoria and despondency in patients undergoing MHD,ultimately enhancing their overall QOL.AIM To investigate the mediating role of social support in relationships between dysphoria,despondency,and QOL among patients undergoing MHD.METHODS Participants comprised 289 patients undergoing MHD,who were selected using a random sampling approach.The Social Support Rating Scale,Self-Rating Anxiety Scale,Self-Rating Depression Scale,and QOL Scale were administered.Correlation analysis was performed to examine the associations between social support,dysphoria,despondency,and QOL in patients undergoing MHD.To assess the mediating impact of social support on dysphoria,despondency,and QOL in patients undergoing MHD,a bootstrap method was applied.RESULTS Significant correlations among social support,dysphoria,despondency,and quality in patients undergoing MHD were observed(all P<0.01).Dysphoria and despondency negatively correlated with social support and QOL(P<0.01).Dysphoria and despondency had negative predictive impacts on the QOL of patients undergoing MHD(P<0.05).The direct effect of dysphoria on QOL was statistically significant(P<0.05).Social support mediated the relationship between dysphoria and QOL,and this mediating effect was significant(P<0.05).Similarly,the direct effect of despondency on QOL was significant(P<0.05).Moreover,social support played a mediating role between despondency and QOL,with a significant mediating effect(P<0.05).CONCLUSION These findings suggest that social support plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between dysphoria,despondency,and QOL in patients undergoing MHD.

Analysis of current status of and barriers to exercise participation among patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Objective:The objective of this study was to analyze the current status of barriers to exercise participation(EP)among patients on maintenance hemodialysis(MHD).Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 277 outpatients undergoing MHD in 2 tertiary first-class hospitals in Beijing from February 2023 to June 2023 who were selected using convenience sampling method.The data of patients on MHD were collected using the general information questionnaire,Physical Activity Rating Scale,Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale(EBBS),and Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale(ESES).The relationship between EP and barriers to EP was analyzed through univariate and multivariate linear regression models.Results:Patients on MHD had a low exercise volume score of 13.71±0.68 points and a medium EBBS score of 63.36±0.40 points.Multivariate logistic analysis showed that exercise volume was significantly related to the following four aspects,including low monthly household income per capita(odds ratio[OR]=86.741,95%confidence interval[CI][1.164-6.465],P=0.042),primary underlying disease of diabetic nephropathy(OR=45.993,95%CI[1.353-1.564],P=0.033),the belief that“fatigue in lower extremities hinders exercise”(OR=4.697,95%CI[1.127-19.585],P=0.034),and the belief that“physical exercise bringing optimistic and positive life attitude”(OR=0.074,95%CI[0.007-0.830],P=0.035).Conclusions:Since patients on MHD had low physical exercise volume,the health-care provider should pay more attention on the controllable factors that affect the EP of patients on MHD.Therefore,feasible and effective intervention measures can be formulated based on ESES in clinical nursing.

Correlation between Wnt Signalling Inhibitors (Dickkopf-1 & Sclerostin) and the Intimal Medial Thickness in Children on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Background: Wnt signalling inhibitors (Dickkopf-1 and Sclerostin) signalling play a role in vascular development and may contribute to calcification. Aim: To investigate the association between Dickkopf-1 and sclerostin serum concentrations in children undergoing maintenance hemodialysis with intimal medial thickness and peak systolic velocity of the main arteries. Patients and Methods: A study was conducted on 40 children undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and controls of the same age and sex. The study measured the initial medial thickness (IMT) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the main vessels (carotid, ulnar, and femoral). Dickkopf-1 and sclerostin serum levels in both groups were assessed, and a routine investigation was performed. Results: The findings indicate that the levels of serum Dickkopf-1 and Sclerostin were significantly higher in the hemodialysis group 2540.65 (2215.4 - 2909.2 pg/ml) and 1.17 (0.85 - 2.03 ng/ml)respectively (P = 0.001), compared to their control group it was 1110.45 (885.45 - 1527.65 pg/ml) and 0.28 (0.25 - 0.32 ng/ml)) respectively P = 0.001. Additionally, there was a significant increase in intima-media thickness (IMT) with a decrease in peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the main blood vessels, including the carotid, ulnar, and femoral arteries. A significant correlation was also observed between Dickkopf-1 and sclerostin levels and IMT of the carotid, ulnar, and femoral arteries. Conclusion: Wnt signalling inhibitors (Dickkopf-1 and Sclerostin) exert effects beyond the bone and significantly contribute to early vascular calcification in pediatric patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

Evaluation of the Application Effect of Psychological Nursing Intervention on Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients with Uremia

Objective:To evaluate the application effect of psychological nursing intervention on maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients with uremia.Methods:Sixty cases of uremic patients admitted to the hospital between May 2023 and May 2024 were selected for MHD treatment and divided using the random number table method into 30 cases in each group.The observation group implemented psychological nursing intervention,while the reference group received conventional nursing intervention,after which the nursing effects were compared.Results:After nursing,the psychological state score of the observation group was lower than that of the reference group;the treatment compliance of the observation group was higher than that of the reference group;the self-care ability score of the observation group was higher than that of the reference group,and the quality-of-life score of the observation group was higher than that of the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Psychological nursing intervention for uremic MHD patients can improve their negative psychology,enhance treatment compliance,and comprehensively improve patients’self-care ability and quality of life.

Effect of Jianpi Wenshen Granules on the Nutritional Control Status Score in Elderly Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis

Objective:To explore the effect of Jianpi Wenshen Granules on the Controlling Nutritional Status(CONUT)score in elderly patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.Methods:Seventy elderly outpatients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis from January 2023 to January 2024 at the Blood Purification Centers of Taizhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital and Taizhou Second People’s Hospital were selected as the study subjects.The patients were randomly divided into two groups:the study group and the control group,with 35 patients in each group.Both groups received maintenance hemodialysis,while the control group received only conventional Western medicine treatment,and the study group was additionally treated with Jianpi Wenshen Granules.The changes in biochemical and inflammatory markers before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.The nutritional status of the patients was assessed using the Controlling Nutritional Status(CONUT)score,and detailed statistics were gathered on anemia and albumin levels in both groups.Results:After treatment,the CONUT score in the study group significantly decreased compared to the control group,showing a significant correlation(P<0.05).Albumin and hemoglobin levels significantly increased,with a notable difference(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels between the two groups before and after treatment(P>0.05).Conclusion:In elderly patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis,Jianpi Wenshen Granules improve the CONUT score and enhance nutritional status,demonstrating potential for clinical application and promotion.

A Cross-Sectional Study on The Prevalence of Anemia in Maintenance Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients and Its Related Factors

Objective:To study the prevalence of anemia,the proportion of hemoglobin(Hb)levels,the treatment methods,and the influencing factors of Hb levels in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)and peritoneal dialysis patients.Methods:In this study,602 patients with maintenance hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis were enrolled from December 2020 to December 2022 in our hospital,and their medical records were collected and summarized.The main contents included the patient’s gender,age,primary disease,dialysis duration,dialysis method,the use of erythropoietic stimulating agents(ESA),intravenous iron,and laboratory tests.A Hb index exceeding 110 g/L was set as the standard for the prevalence of anemia.Results:The rate of anemia in patients undergoing blood purification was 83%.The proportion of ESA use was 84.1%,and the proportion of iron use was 76.7%,of which the proportion of intravenous iron used was 17.0%,and the proportion of folic acid used was 28.3%.Conclusion:The incidence of anemia in MHD patients was relatively high,with a low proportion of patients reaching the standard Hb levels.Risk factors include albumin(ALB)levels,iron storage,white blood cells,C-reactive protein,cholesterol,etc.Nutritional support,iron supplementation,and prevention of micro-inflammatory reactions can effectively promote the improvement of Hb indicators in dialysis patients to prevent anemia.

Impact of a Nurse-Led Chronic Disease Management Intervention Model on Quality of Care and Satisfaction of Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Objective:To explore the impact of a nurse-led chronic disease management model on the quality of care and satisfaction of maintenance hemodialysis patients.Methods:72 patients who received maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)from June 2021 to March 2022 were selected to undergo the nurse-led chronic disease management model.The hemodialysis indexes,nutritional status,and the occurrence of adverse events were assessed after 24 weeks of the intervention,and patients’satisfaction was investigated and analyzed.Results:Comparing pre-intervention and after 24 weeks of intervention,urea reduction rate and urea clearance were improved but not statistically different(P>0.05),butβ2-microglobulin was significantly reduced compared with pre-intervention(P<0.05);after 24 weeks of intervention,the effect of decreasing blood calcium,parathyroid hormone,and potassium levels was not obvious(P>0.05),and the level of blood phosphorus decreased significantly compared with pre-intervention(P<0.01),albumin and hemoglobin levels were increased and better than before intervention(P<0.05);after 24 weeks of intervention,the incidence of intradialytic hypotension and hypertension was lower than before intervention(P<0.05),and the total incidence of complications was significantly lower than before intervention(P<0.01);there was no significant difference in the Self-Depression Scale scores after 24 weeks of intervention(P>0.05),and Self-Anxiety Scale scores were significantly lower and better than before intervention(P<0.01).Patient satisfaction was greatly improved,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).Conclusion:The chronic disease management intervention model led by specialized nurses is conducive to improving the psychological state and nutritional status of dialysis patients,enhancing the adequacy of dialysis for patients,reducing the incidence of related complications,and ultimately achieving the purpose of improving the quality of life of patients,which has significant clinical value.

The Beneficial Effect of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Blockade in Treatment of Hypertension, Resistant to Conventional Antihypertensives, in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is present in up to 90% of end stage kidney disease (ESRD) patients irrespective of the etiology of their kidney disease. Moreover, it is an important modifiable risk factor for progression to ESRD and its overall cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Objective: to evaluate, prospectively, the role of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System blockade (RAAS) in HTN, resistant to 3 conventional antihypertensives, in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Patients and methods: A total of 52 such patients were treated with Ramipril and 5 with Losartan after intolerable cough/shortness of breath following Ramipril-use. None of the patients had fluid depletion, renal artery stenosis and primary endocrinopathy. The study group was compared to a matched control group of MHD patients with normal blood pressure following 3 drugs-combination therapies. Results: All patients, with resistant HTN, had significant activation of RAAS system prior to treatment compared to inactive one in the control group. In those with resistant HTN, control of HTN, was established within 2 weeks of therapy and was associated with suppression of the RAAS. Such therapy was associated with minor side effects. Conclusion: Our study has shown that RAAS blockade is safe and effective in controlling such resistant HTN in MHD patients.

Prevalence and Predictors of Hemodialysis Inadequacy among Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis in Mwanza, Tanzania

Introduction: The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rapidly increasing in Tanzania. There is a rapid expansion of hemodialysis (HD) services to meet this demand. The quality of HD services, which is usually termed HD inadequacy, is under-reported. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HD inadequacy using two equations, urea reduction ratio (URR) and Kt/V and its associated factors. The correlation between URR and Kt/V for the diagnosis of HD inadequacy is also determined. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal study conducted from March to July 2021 in 98 patients with CKD who underwent maintenance HD at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania. Demographic, laboratory, and clinical information was collected and analyzed. The HD inadequacy was estimated by using both the URR and the Kt/V equations. The correlation between the two equations was analyzed by using Cohen’s kappa. Results: The majority (69.4%) of the study participants were male and the mean age was 59 (48 - 68) years. The median hemoglobin level was 10 (8.9 - 11.2) g/dl, and the pre-dialytic urea was 15 (10.6 - 21.3) mmol/L. The prevalence of HD inadequacy was 36 (36.7%). The predictors of HD inadequacy were older age (>50 years) (OR = 3.6, 95 % CI 1.0 - 12.6, p = 0.04), moderate or severe anemia (OR = 4.7, 95 % CI 1.5 - 14.4, p = 0.006) and short duration of HD (OR = 3.1, 95 % CI 1.0 - 9.1, p = 0.04). There was a strong agreement between URR and Kt/V in the diagnosis of HD inadequacy (Kappa = 0.887). Conclusion and Recommendations: HD inadequacy is common, and most predictors can be prevented. Clinicians should use a personalized approach in making sure that anemia is appropriately treated and HD prescription is adhered to for better clinical outcomes among patients with HD.

Meta analysis on the effectiveness of auricular therapy combined with modern medicine in the treatment of depression/anxiety disorders in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Objective:We used meta-analysis to explore the clinical efficacy of auricular point therapy combined with modern medicine in improving depression/anxiety in maintenance hemodialysis patients.Methods:We searched CNKI,Wanfang,Weipu,CBM,The Cochrane Library,PubMed,Web of Science,Embase through computer to build a randomized controlled trials of auricular therapy combined with modern medicine in the treatment of depression/anxiety disorders in China and abroad since 2022.Two evaluators independently screened the studies,extracted and cross-checked the key data in the studies independently after determining the included studies,and then evaluated the quality of the studies respectively.Finally,we used RevMan 5.3 platform for statistical processing of data.Results:This meta-analysis included a total of 12 clinical randomized controlled trials,including a total of 899 patients.The results showed that the observation group was more effective in reducing the scores of Hamilton Anxiety Scale,self rating Anxiety Scale,self rating Depression Scale,Pittsburgh sleep quality index score of maintenance hemodialysis patients.In addition,there was no statistical difference between the observation group and the control group in improving the total clinical effective rate.Conclusion:The observation group has a more obvious effect on the improvement of anxiety or depression in maintenance hemodialysis patients.However,due to the limitation of the quantity and quality of the included studies,the real efficacy of auricular therapy combined with modern medicine in improving anxiety or depression disorder after maintenance hemodialysis still needs to be supported by more carefully designed and standardized multi-center,large-sample clinical studies.

Practice Patterns and Adequacy of Maintenance Hemodialysis in Rio Grande, RS, Brazil

Introduction: Hemodialysis is the most common end-stage renal disease treatment worldwide. Several factors may influence treatment outcomes. Adequacy (dose) of hemodialysis remains controversial;however, investigations on the effectiveness rate (Kt/V ≥ 1.2), which could reflect morbimortality, are preferred. Objective: This study aimed to describe the level of adequacy of hemodialysis among patients undergoing treatment in the city of Rio Grande (RS), Brazil. Method: In this prospective cohort study, 156 patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment between July 2016 and June 2017 in the two hemodialysis centers in the city of Rio Grande (RS), Brazil, were included. Frequency distribution as per Kt/V stratification was analyzed. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions. Results: Adequate hemodialysis (Kt/V ≥ 1.2) was observed in 105 patients (67%), 88% were from the municipality (mean age, 59 years), and 43% had visited the hospital before knowing about their kidney disease. Most of them were referred to a nephrologist (70%). Of the 156 patients, 114 patients (73%) remained in dialysis treatment, 10 (6%) underwent transplantation, 9 (6%) were transferred, and 23 (15%) died at the end of 12 months. Conclusion: Primary care should be expanded for early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, improved venous access preparation, and increased number of patients with hemodialysis adequacy. Hemodialysis adequacy in patients undergoing treatment in the city of Rio Grande (RS), Brazil, needs to be improved.

Role of Fine Management in Maintenance of Deep Venous Indwelling Catheter in Hemodialysis Patients

Objective:This paper mainly explores the effect of fine management application in maintenance of deep venous indwelling catheter in hemodialysis patients.Methods:150 hemodialysis patients with deep venous catheter indwelling in our hospital from December 2019 to September 2020 were divided into routine group and study group.The routine group was given routine nursing,and the study group was given fine management nursing.The nursing effect of the two groups was analyzed.Results:After nursing intervention,the incidence of complications in the study group was 14.66%,which was lower than that in the conventional group(53.33%),and the nursing compliance in the study group(98.66%)was higher than that in the conventional group(89.33%),all P<0.05.Conclusion:Fine management plays a significant role in the maintenance of deep venous indwelling catheter in hemodialysis patients,which can reduce the occurrence of complications.

Effect of Infrared Irradiation Combined with External Application Nursing on Maintenance of Vascular Access in Hemodialysis Patients

Objective:This paper mainly analyzes the effect of infrared radiation combined with external application nursing on maintenance of vascular access in hemodialysis patients.Methods:A total of 150 hemodialysis patients in our hospital from December 2019 to September 2020 were divided into the conventional group and the study group,75 cases in each group.The conventional group was given external application nursing alone,and the study group was given infrared radiation combined with external application nursing,and the effect on the maintenance of vascular access was counted.Results:After the intervention,the indexes of URR,kt/V and human albumin in the study group were higher than those in the routine group,and the indexes of β2-mg and MIS in the study group were lower than those in the routine group,P<0.05;The improvement of vascular elasticity and quality of life in the study group was higher than that in the conventional group,and the incidence of complications was lower than that in the conventional group,P<0.05.Conclusion:Infrared radiation combined with external application of nursing care in hemodialysis patients with vascular access maintenance effect is significant,can effectively improve vascular elasticity.

Association between serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and coronary artery calcification in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Background Coronary artery calcification(CAC)is common in end-stage renal disease(ESRD)patients,and the extent of CAC is closely related to cardiovascular outcomes in ESRD patients.Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(COMP),as a component of the vascular matrix,has been found to be an inhibitor of arterial calcification in basic studies.However,there is no clinical research on the correlation between COMP and CAC in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients.The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between serum COMP levels and CAC and cardiovascular events in MHD patients.Methods Serum COMP levels were compared between 54 MHD patients and 66 healthy people.MHD patients were then divided into three groups according to the tertiles of the concentration of COMP level and were followed up for major adverse cardiac events(MACEs),which were defined as a combined end point of new onset angina pectoris,nonfatal myocardial infarction,heart failure,coronary artery revascularization,hospitalization due to angina pectoris and all-cause deaths.The CAC score was calculated based on computed tomography scans.Results The serum COMP level in MHD patients was significantly higher than that in the general population[984.23(248.43-1902.61)ng/mL vs.219.01(97.26-821.92)ng/mL,P<0.01].Serum COMP levels were positively correlated with CAC(r=0.313,P=0.021)and serum parathyroid hormone in MHD patients(r=0.359,P<0.01).Linear regression suggested that after adjusting for age,fasting blood glucose(Glu)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbAlc),CAC score was an independent predictor in the final model for COMP level(β=0.424,t=3.130,P<0.01).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve showed that COMP≥994 mg/mL had 68.0%sensitivity and 72.4%specificity for the prediction of severe CAC[area under the curve(AUC):0.674,P=0.030,95%CI:0.526-0.882].After a median follow-up of 16 months(8-24 months),there was no difference in the incidence rate of MACEs between the upper,middle and lower serum COMP groups.Conclusions Our study found that MHD patients have higher levels of circulating COMP than controls.The serum COMP level is positively correlated with CAC score and could be used as a biomarker of severe CAC in MHD patients.However,there is no obvious correlation between serum COMP levels and the incidence of cardiovascular events.

Effects of Lanthanum Carbonate on Vascular Calcification in Elderly Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Summary： The effect of lanthanum carbonate on abdominal aortic calcification （AAC） in the elderly maintenance hemodialysis （MHD） patients was investigated. Fifty-four cases subjected to routine MHD complicated with skin pruritus admitted to our hospital were selected and randomly divided into case group （n=28） and control group （n=26）. The control group was given routine MHD alone. The case group was given lanthanum carbonate additionally on the basis of routine MHD. The changes of itching degrees at first and third month, and serum calcium, phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus products, intact parathyroid hormone （iPTH） levels and AAC scores at third month after treatments were compared be- tween the two groups. The correlation between calcium-phosphorus products and AAC scores was also analyzed. There was no significant difference in the baseline of blood urea nitrogen （BUN）, serum creatinine （Scr）, uric acid, albumin, hemoglobin, C reactive protein （CRP）, low density lipoprotein （LDL）, high density lipoprotein （HDL）, triglyceride, total cholesterol between case group and control group （P〉0.05 for all）. There was also no significant difference in the baseline itching scores between the case group and the control group （P〉0.05）. At 1st and 3rd month after treatment, the itching scores in the case group were 14.2±3.2 and 10.5±2.3, respectively, which were significantly lower than the baseline and those in the control group （P〈0.05 for all）. At 1 st and 3rd month after treatment, the itching scores in the control group were 23.6v5.9 and 24.8±6.3, respectively, which were significantly higher than the baseline （P〈0.05）. There was no significant difference in the baseline of serum calcium, phos- phorus, calcium-phosphorus products, iPTH levels between the case group and control group （P〉0.05）. At 3rd month after treatment, serum phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus products and iPTH levels in the case group were decreased significantly as compared with the baseline （P〈0.05）, and the serum calcium, phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus products, and iPTH levels were statistically decreased as compared with those in the control group （P〈0.05）. The AAC scores showed statistically significant difference between the case group and the control group （P〈0.05）. The serum phosphorus and AAC scores showed a positive correlation in both two groups. It was suggested that the administration of lanthanum carbon- ate in the elderly MHD patients can effectively relieve itching, and simultaneously reduce serum phos- phorus and iPTH levels, resulting in the attenuation of vascular calcification.

Follow-up study of hepatitis C virus infection in uremic patients on maintenance hemodialysis for 30 months

INTRODUCTIONA high prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus(HCV)(range from 3.3%-80%)has beenreported in hemodialysis(HD)patients,andworrisome as it often becomes chronic and induceschronic liver disease,therefore thenephrologists face a major challenge of how toprevent it.The main route of HCV transmission

The effect of Levocarnitine on nutritional status and lipid metabolism during long-term maintenance hemodialysis

Objective To investigate the effect of Levocarnitine on lipid metabolism and nutritional status of maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients and possible mechanism.Methods A total of 40 MHD patients [mean age(53.5±7.1)years] who underwent normal hemodialysis more than 6 months were randomly classified into two groups,Levocarnitine supplemented group(LS-G)(n=20;Levocarnitine supplementation after each normal hemodialysis session,at a dose of 1.0 g/day by intravenous administration)and control group(C-G)(n=20;normal hemodialysis).Before treatment,one month and three months after treatment we respectively measured or observed the following items,the tolerance to hemodialysis,carnitine level in plasma,C-reactive protein,IL-6,TNF-α,percentage of neutrophil,and some relevant nutritional parameters,such as lipid profile,transferrin,total protein,albumin and prealbumin levels.Comparative analysis was conducted between the two groups.Results In LS-G three months after treatment,the levels of carnitine,hemoglobin,and prealbumin in plasma were significantly increased(P<0.05),but C-reactive protein,neutrophil percentage,low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride were significantly decreased(P<0.05)in contrast to those in C-G and before treatment.Transferrin,total protein,and albumin were elevated in LS-G,with no statistical significance.Conclusion There was a significant improvement of lipid metabolism and nutritional status for the long-term maintenance hemodialysis patients with Levocarnitine supplementation.And this improvement is related to the decrease of inflammatory factors.

Current status and influencing factors of post-traumatic growth in maintenance hemodialysis

Objective:To study the post-traumatic growth level and influencing factors in patients with maintenance hemodialysis.Methods:A total of 179 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis from a third-level grade A hospital in Tianjin,China were investigated using Post-traumatic Growth Inventory(PTGI),Perceived Social Support Scale,and Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire.Results:The total score for the PTGI was 53.73±16.45.Multiple linear regression analysis showed that social support,coping style,marital status,and family income significantly influenced the post-traumatic growth level in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.These factors explained 41.4%of the variance.Conclusion:Medical staff should help patients under maintenance hemodialysis to fulfill their potentials by boosting the level of social support and to effectively cope with internal conflicts.In addition,nursing staff should provide relevant psychological health education to patients to improve their post-traumatic growth.

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index as a Simple Predictor of Mortality in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Single Center Study

Background: Malnutrition is associated with higher risk of mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) has been developed as a tool to assess the nutritional risk. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to examine the significance of the GNRI as a mortality predictor in MHD patients. Methods: We retrospectively examined the GNRI of 259 MHD patients aged 59.2 ± 12.8 years, and followed up for 36 months. The patients were divided into two groups according to GNRI values of 91.0. Predictors for all-cause mortality were examined using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazards analyses. Results: During the follow-up period of 36 months, a total of 76 patients died. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the subjects with a GNRI 91 (n = 230) (Log-rank test,

Hepatitis B viral infection in maintenance hemodialysis patients:A three year follow-up

AIM： To observe the prevalence of hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection in maintenance hemodialysis patients. METHODS： Eighty-eight hemodialysis patients who had been receiving hemodialysis regularly for an average of 39.45 ± 7.57 （range from 36 to 49） rno were enrolled in this study. HBV markers were measured in these patients before hemodialysis and in 100 healthy controls by the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay （CMI） method in order to compare the incidence of HBV infection in hemodialysis patients versus normal healthy people. All patients were then divided into two groups： patients positive for HBV markers （i.e. those positive for HBsAg, anti-HBc, HBeAg, anti-HBe, with or without positive anti-HBs） （n = 33）, and patients negative for HBV markers （including those only positive anti-HBs） （n = 55）. The following information was obtained for all patients： socio-demographic data, number of blood transfusions and some laboratory investigations. After 39.45 ± 7.57 mo follow-up, HBV markers were measured in these patients by CMI. RESULTS： The incidence of HBV infection in maintenance hemodialysis patients was 37.5%, which was higher than in controls （9%）. In the patients positive for HBV markers, there were 13 patients （39.4%） who had a history of blood transfusion, which was more than the number [12 （21.8%）, P = 0.04] of patients negative for HBV markers. Eight of the 88 patients negative for HBV markers turned out to be positive, while three of the 33 patients positive for HBV markers turned out to be negative. There was no cirrhosis of the liver or hepatoma occurring in these patients. CONCLUSION： Maintenance hemodialysis patientshave a higher risk of HBV infection than the average population. The number of blood transfusions is associated with an increased prevalence of HBV. While it is hard for hemodialysis patients to eliminate HBV, the prognosis of patients with positive HBV markers is good.