| Theme |
Re-consideration for the Modification of Hemodialysis Therapy |
| Title |
Psychological stress and sleep disorders in elderly hemodialysis patients |
| Author |
Katsuji Nishimura |
Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Women's Medical University, School of Medicine |
| Author |
Kan Kikuchi |
Department of Blood Purification, Kidney Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University, School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
Patients with end-stage renal disease and receiving hemodialysis experience various types of mental stress. Major depression occurs in approximately 20％ of these patients. In addition, sleep-related complaints affect 50-80％ of dialysis patients. These conditions include primary insomnia, sleep apnea syndrome, restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. These conditions occur more frequently in the elderly population and are associated with impaired quality of life, increased morbidity, hospitalization and increased mortality. Adequate assessment and management of these conditions are therefore needed. Since these conditions are often attributed to uremic syndrome, it is important that adequate control of uremia be achieved. |