Abstract

Objective: To determine the correlation between adherence to hemodialysis and serum phosphate levels in patients with end stage renal disease.
Methodology: This cross- sectional study was carried out from January to February 2019 at Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi. We enrolled patients with end stage renal disease, on maintenance hemodialysis for more than 12 months using consecutive sampling technique. Those on infrequent dialysis, admitted and unwilling patients were excluded. Patients’ disclosure about number of dialysis sessions missed during the last four weeks was noted. Serum phosphate levels were measured in pre-dialysis samples from the midweek session.
Results: There were 137 patients with a mean age of 49.82±13.40 years. Majority were males (79.56%) and on twice a week hemodialysis schedule (67.15%). Nearly one fourth (24.09%) had missed hemodialysis sessions. Serum phosphate levels were 1.48±0.70 mmol/L. There was a poor correlation between compliance to hemodialysis and phosphate levels (Linear R2: 0.004, p=0.482).
Conclusion: Self-reported adherence to hemodialysis did not affect serum phosphate levels in our study population.

Key words: Hyperphosphatemia, patient compliance, renal replacement therapy.