Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain in Haemodialysis Patients &Its Relation with Serum Biochemical Markers, Psychological Status & Work Abilities

Abstract

Generalized musculoskeletal pain is a significant complaint among hemodialysis patients with varying degrees and intensities. In the current practice, little attention is paid to evaluate the prevalence and the causes of this problem with subsequent improper treatment of those patients. Generalized musculoskeletal pain can be an important manifestation of serious metabolic disturbance in the body metabolism with subsequent influence on the quality of life of the hemodialysis patients. Accordingly, the present study was done to detect the prevalence of generalized musculoskeletal pain in hemodialysis patients and to detect its relation with different serum biochemical markers & its effect on the psychological state and work abilities of the patients. The study was conducted on 100 patients that undergo hemodialysis sessions as a renal replacement therapy 3 times per week. All patients were thoroughly interrogated and examined clinically, and were subjected to measurement of Serum calcium ,Serum phosphorus, Serum albumin, Serum alkaline phosphatase, serum hemoglobin & Serum parathormone level, then Data were collected and statistically analysed. Based on the results of the current study it can be concluded that 100% of the patients developed generalized musculoskeletal pain with different grades of intensity. 37% of the patients developed low intensity of pain with low grade of disability. 37% of the patients developed high intensity of pain with low grade of disability. 26% of the patients developed high intensity of pain with high disability grade that is moderately limiting. There was significant association between muscle wasting, tender bone& muscles, decrease muscle power & limitation of movement of different joints with increasing in the pain intensity and grade of disability. There was significant positive correlation between the serum calcium and parathormone levels with the intensity of pain and disability grading. Decrease serum level of albumin is associated with increase muscle wasting &affection of the muscle power with subsequent affection on the increase of the pain intensity and grade of disability. 26% of those patients how developed high intensity of pain with high grade of disability had significant impact on their daily activites, social, recreational & work abilities as result of the severity of pain.