Dependency and frailty in the older haemodialysis patient

Abstract

Background

Frailty among older adults undergoing hemodialysis is increasingly prevalent, significantly impacting cognitive function, mobility, and social engagement. This study focuses on the clinical profiles of very older adults in hemodialysis, particularly examining the interplay of dependency and frailty, and their influence on dialysis regimens.

Methods

In this observational, descriptive study, 107 patients aged over 75 from four outpatient centers and one hospital unit were examined over a year. Patient data encompassed sociodemographic factors, dialysis specifics, analytical outcomes, lifestyle elements, and self-reported post-treatment fatigue. Malnutrition-inflammation scale was used to measure the Nutritional status; MIS scale for malnutrition-inflammation, Barthel index for dependency, Charlson comorbidity index; FRIED scale for frailty and the SF12 quality of life measure.

Results

The study unveiled that a substantial number of older adults on hemodialysis faced malnutrition (55%), dependency (21%), frailty (46%), and diminished quality of life (57%). Patients with dependency were distinctively marked by higher comorbidity, severe malnutrition, enhanced frailty, nursing home residency, dependency on ambulance transportation, and significantly limited mobility, with 77% unable to walk. Notably, 56% of participants experienced considerable post-dialysis fatigue, correlating with higher comorbidity, increased dependency, and poorer quality of life. Despite varying clinical conditions, dialysis patterns were consistent across the patient cohort.

Conclusions

The older adult cohort, averaging over four years on hemodialysis, exhibited high rates of comorbidity, frailty, and dependency, necessitating substantial support in transport and living arrangements. A third of these patients lacked residual urine output, yet their dialysis regimen mirrored those with preserved output. The study underscores the imperative for tailored therapeutic strategies to mitigate dependency, preserve residual renal function, and alleviate post-dialysis fatigue, ultimately enhancing the physical quality of life for these patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-024-04973-8.