Abstract:

Background: Hemodialysis is the common method used to remove nitrogenous waste, fluid and toxins for the patient with renal failure. However, in some cases of acute kidney failure, dialysis may only be needed for a short time until the kidneys get better. Hemodialysis helps a patient feeling better but doesn’t cure the kidney failure, unless a patient is able to get a kidney transplant. Frequent dialysis more closely mimes the natural functions of the kidneys, with less waste and fluid building up in the body between treatments. The increased frequency has contributed to lower mortality rates. However, this modality of treatment had some complications of which my impair quality of life style of the patient.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and spectrum of complications of hemodialysis among patients attending dialysis unit at BMC.

Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study design was employed whereby it involves collection of data through interview and questionnaires. Participants were given consent forms to sign and a brief explanation about the study was given before the process of data collection. Data was analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences version 20.

Results: A total of 100 patients attending hemodialysis at dialysis unit BMC participated in this study, 79.0% were male and 21.0% were female. 73.0%. Prevalence of itching was 14.0% anemia 13.0%, infection 11.0%, vomiting 9.0%, other complications such as stroke, shivering during dialysis 9.0%, nausea 7.0%, hypotension 6.0% and pain 4.0%. The odds led to hemodialysis was strongly predicted by diabetes 36.0% and hypertension 28.0%.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, prevalence and spectrum complications of hemodialysis among patients attending dialysis unit at BMC, three quarter of patients encountered complication that led to hemodialysis of the highest being itching, anemia, infection, vomiting, nausea, hypotension, pain and others.