| Theme |
Diseases of Alimentary Tract in Maintenance Dialysis Patients |
| Title |
Pharmacological countermeasures for abnormal bowel movement in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis |
| Author |
Mai Nishihara |
Department of Pharmacy, Fuchu Hospital |
| Author |
Sumio Hirata |
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University |
| Author |
Tomoyuki Yamakawa |
Department of Medicine, Shirasagi Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
The frequency of constipation in patients undergoing hemodialysis is higher than in patients with normal renal functions. One of the characteristics of this condition is a high incidence of drug induced constipation. Because constipation in patients undergoing hemodialysis can induce ischemic colitis or fatal intestinal perforations, it should not be ignored. From our investigations, the rates of cation exchange resin and hypertensive drugs administered were significantly higher in the ischemic colitis group than in the control group. Therefore, it appears we should administer appropriate laxatives more actively to prevent ischemic colitis in these patients. This should be done as a countermeasure to prevent constipation. The co-administration of a sorbitol 5 g three times a day or 75 % sorbitol solution 7 ml three times a day at the beginning of treatment then, intake of sorbitol as needed, thereafter, appears to be effective in preventing constipation. |