Iron deficiency and anaemia seem to play no part in HD-related pruritus, whereas lower serum transferrin and albumin levels and higher ferritin values are consistent with the possible role of inflammation in the development and severity of pruritus.

Symptoms can markedly influence the hemodialysis patients well-being and quality of life. The aim of this paper is to study the frequency of symptoms at home and how these relate to biochemical and treatment variables. Seventy-three hemodialysis patients were questioned on the absence, occasional presence or daily recurrence (score = 0, 1, 2) of 14 symptoms and a record was made of their biochemical parameters, age, time on treatment and KtIV as a function of each symptom. The following relationships were detected: thirst with high Osm and BUN; asthenia with old age and hypoalbuminemia; insomnia with hypercalcemia; hypersomnia with hypoxemia and hypernatremia; anorexia with hypokalemia; dyspnea with old age, hypernatremia and hypokalemia; dysgeusia with hypoxemia; nausea with alkalemia, hypoxemia and low BUN; vomiting with alkalemia. Pruritus, arthralgia, restless legs syndrome, cramp and tremor showed no relationships. Monitoring acid-base balance and plasma electrolytes could help to alleviate symptoms and ameliorate quality of life of hemodialysis patients.

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Evaluating the adequacy of PD by means of a single measurement should take into account the weekly variability as demonstrated by a triple dialysate and urine collection. Standard adequacy targets can be corrected to allow for variability. Thus one can obtain safe values for prescription decisions based on a single collection result.

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