| [ Summary ] |
Functional constipation is a major complication in dialysis patients. Early reports indicated the prevalence of constipation in over half of the patients who receive hemodialysis treatment. Hemodialysis may be a greater cause of constipation more than CAPD treatment. The causes of the great prevalence of constipation in dialysis patients are multifactorial, such as inactivity, low fiber diets, phosphorus binders, low fluid intake and diabetes. Constipation is associated with decreased patient QOL. To control functional constipation, appropriate exercise, diet control, dietary fiber and, cellulose, consumption the administration of fructooligosaccharide supplementation, and / or laxatives is recomended. A combination of those treatments suitable for each is patient needed.
Another contributing factor, in Japan, is that the average age of dialysis patients is increasing. It is well known that age and female gender along with long term hemodialysis and diabetes are risk factors for constipation. We need to treat constipation because it may contribute to life threatening complications, such like ischemic colitis and perforations of the colon. |