The Problem of Fatigue in Dialysis Patients

Abstract

137 patients on maintenance dialysis were studied. All but 2 patients were ambulatory, and all patients demonstrated good to normal strength on manual motor tests. With the exception of systemic lupus erythematosus, no correlation was found between primary diagnosis and patients’ fatigue ratings. Laboratory studies of hematocrit, BUN, creatinine, calcium, and phosphorus did not correlate with fatigue ratings for the majority of patients. Fatigue appeared more problematic for patients who had been dialyzing for less than 4 years. Depression was pronounced among patients who reported feeling fatigued upon arising.

Fatigue in People Undergoing Hemodialysis

“…2 It has been shown that 50.6% to 58.3% of dialysis patients experience fatigue. 11,12,13 The results of the present study indicated that high levels of fatigue are experienced. Determining patients' level of fatigue and then ensuring that particular activities are planned for patients are clearly important responsibilities for medical professionals.…”

“…At the same time, in a study by Cardenas and Kutner, a positive relationship was found between fatigue level and age. 11 The reason for this result is probably due to physiological changes that occur with age as well as psychosocial effects of a chronic illness on the individual.…”

“…11,30 Cardenas and Kutner found that fatigue is a more serious problem for patients receiving dialysis for less than 4 years. 11 However, further research is needed, as Brunier and Graydon 18 and McCann and Boore 24 found that the duration of HD had no impact on fatigue in a person with renal failure who required maintenance hemodialysis. We also found that fatigue increased and the global score rose with advanced age.…”

Fatigue, depression and quality of life in cancer patients: how are they related?

“…The last check we made on the validity of fatigue as a criterion for depression concerned the time of the day fatigue was most intense, because it has been found that many symptoms related to depression are strongest in the morning [5,7,26]. However, less than 8% of our patients reported that they were tired particularly in the morning.…”

“…More somatic manifestations of depression are not totally discarded, however. For instance, because many symptoms related to depression are most prevalent in the morning [5,7,26], the time of day when fatigue is worst can be considered relevant. In addition, if a somatic symptom is far more pronounced than can be expected on the basis of the somatic illness, this might be suspected to be related to depression.…”