Published in IJCP October 2018
Nephrology
A Snapshot of Patients on Hemodialysis in July 2018, GGH, Jamnagar: A Cross-sectional Study
October 04, 2018 | Ajay C Tanna, Pranav I Patel
     


Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of premature death and morbidity. Chronic kidney disease is a major factor linked with poor health outcomes of major NCDs. A study was recently carried out at Guru Govind Singh Hospital, Jamnagar, Gujarat, among patients undergoing hemodialysis, to assess demographic data, comorbid conditions, determine common medical problems in patients on dialysis, reinforce diet patterns and water intake patterns, assess risk factors that lead to cardiorespiratory events, and awareness of the drug intake and schedule. This crosssectional study revealed that hypertension, diabetes and liver parenchymal disease were the most common associated comorbidities. Cardiac, respiratory and cerebrovascular diseases were also the comorbidities in a significant number of patients, followed by hypothyroidism, fibrous bone dysplasia, hypopituitarism, mullerian agenesis syndrome. Most patients were found to have no idea about how much water they should drink. None of the patients were strictly following a diet. Additionally, none knew the exact amount of salt, protein and fat that they should take in a day. Awareness of drug intake was also low. The findings reinforce the importance of patient education and involvement of patients in their own treatment.