Frequency of Intradialytic Complications in Patients of End-Stage Renal Disease on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Introduction Hemodialysis is a vital management option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. With adequate hemodialysis, patients can have a good quality of life but complications do occur during the session, which can be minor to life-threatening. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of acute complications during this procedure. Material and methods An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan. Patient data were collected about access, comorbid conditions, frequency and duration of hemodialysis, and intradialytic complications. Those with acute kidney injury were excluded. Results There was a total of 94 patients, with a mean age of 45.51±13.29 years, of which 62 (66%) were males and 32 (34%) were females. Diabetes mellitus was the most common cause of ESRD (47.9%, n=45). Patients on twice and thrice-weekly sessions were 51 (54.3%) and 43 (45.7%), respectively. The most common complication was hypotension (28.7%), followed by hypertension (17%), and nausea/vomiting (11.7%). The arteriovenous fistula was the most common access used (75.5%, n=71). Most patients were found to be on hemodialysis for more than five years (51.1%, n=48). Conclusion Blood pressure changes are critical while performing hemodialysis, just like we found hypotension as the most common intradialytic complication in our results, followed by hypertension. Others were fever, muscle cramps, and nausea/vomiting. a prospective follow-up study shall be done to have comparative and long-term results related to the acute and chronic complications of dialysis.