Appetite is associated with the time of recovery after the dialytic session in patients on chronic hemodialysis.

AIM

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the correlation between self-reported appetite and the time of recovery after the hemodialysis session (TIRD).

METHODS

All patients on chronic hemodialysis at the Hemodialysis Service of the Catholic University of Rome underwent assessment of appetite through the first three questions of the Hemodialysis Study Appetite questionnaire, TIRD (through the question 'How long does it take you to recover from a dialysis session?'), number and severity of comorbidities according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and daily activities through the ADL (activities of daily living) and the IADL (instrumental activities of daily living).

RESULTS

We studied 106 patients. According to the appetite questionnaire, in 45 patients appetite was very good or good (group 1), in 33 fair (group 2) and in 28 poor or very poor (group 3). Age, CCI, TIRD and serum parathyroid hormone levels were significantly higher in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2, while the IADL was significantly lower. Age, CCI, TIRD, IADL and serum parathyroid hormone were significantly correlated with appetite. At multiple regression analysis, TIRD and CCI only were independently correlated with appetite.

CONCLUSION

Poor appetite is independently associated with the time of recovery after the hemodialysis session.