[Factors associated with the frailty of elderly people with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis]

Prevalence and risk factors of pre-frailty and frailty in hemodialysis patients in central China

The current study was to explore the prevalence and risk factors elements of pre-frailty and frailty among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) in central China. A cross-sectional, multi-institutional investigation was conducted. From March to May 2024, using the convenience sampling method, a total of 408 HD patients from four hospitals in Xiangyang, China, were recruited for this study. The participants' demographics, lifestyle factors, factors related to dialysis treatment, the FRAIL scale, psychological resilience, and medical coping modes were assessed using a questionnaire. Multi-categorical logistic regression was performed to examine factors associated with pre-frailty and frailty in this population. Furthermore, to evaluate the independent relationship between frailty and psychological resilience, multiple regression analysis was used to adjust potential confounders and obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Pearson correlation analysis was used for correlation analysis among various scales. Among the 408 participants, the prevalence of pre-frailty and frailty among participants for all ages was 26.2% and 38.5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that smoking status, falls, heart disease, and psychological resilience are all associated with pre-frailty and frailty. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that resignation was positively related to frailty and negatively related to psychological resilience in patients. Confrontation and avoidance were positively related to psychological resilience. Frailty was negatively related to psychological resilience. Psychological resilience was independently linearly associated with pre-frailty (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.32-0.75, p < 0.001) and frailty (OR  0.53, 95% CI 0.35-0.80, p = 0.003). Our findings point to the necessity for active screening prevalence and risk factors for pre-frailty (26.2%) and frailty (38.5%) in adult HD patients of all ages. Pre-frailty and frailty among HD patients are associated with lower psychological resilience and a higher likelihood of using negative coping mechanisms.

Factores asociados a la fragilidad en el paciente en tratamiento renal sustitutivo con diálisis. Una revisión sistemática

Introducción: La fragilidad es un síndrome multidimensional caracterizado por una disminución de reservas fisiológicas, de masa corporal magra, debilidad y disminución de resistencia al ejercicio físico. Sitúa a la persona en una situación de mayor vulnerabilidad ante factores externos, además existe una estrecha relación entre la fragilidad y las enfermedades crónicas, como es el caso de la enfermedad renal crónica. Objetivo: El objetivo principal de esta revisión fue sintetizar y conocer la evidencia científica sobre los factores asociados a la fragilidad de los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en tratamiento renal sustitutivo en diálisis. Material y Método: Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática a través de las bases de datos de Pubmed y Proquest. Se incluyeron artículos originales en inglés y español publicados entre 2015 y 2020, y se analizaron los artículos que trataban sobre fragilidad en el paciente con enfermedad renal en tratamiento sustitutivo. Se excluyeron aquellos artículos que no presentaron resultados. Resultados: Se incluyeron 26 artículos de diseño observacional. Los hallazgos se enfocan a la prevalencia, mortalidad, tasa de hospitalización, discapacidad, deterioro cognitivo, síntomas depresivos, obesidad, comorbilidades, caídas o fracturas y actividad y rendimiento físico. Conclusiones: Se ha encontrado una elevada prevalencia de fragilidad en el enfermo renal crónico en tratamiento renal sustitutivo con diálisis, sin diferencias entre diálisis peritoneal y hemodiálisis. La fragilidad en estos pacientes está asociada a mayor mortalidad, tasa de hospitalización, discapacidad, deterioro cognitivo, síntomas depresivos y comorbilidades. La actividad y rendimiento físico, parecen ser factores que disminuyen la fragilidad.

Senses and Meanings of Conservative Treatment in People with Chronic Kidney Disease

Objective: To unveil the senses and meanings of conservative treatment in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and Methods: A descriptive and exploratory study with a qualitative approach. It was developed in 2017, with a sample of individuals with CKD undergoing conservative treatment. A semi-structured interview was used and the data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results: 25 individuals participated in the study, of which 56 % were female; 52 % belonged to the 60-79-year-old age group; 48 % were white-skinned; 48 % did not complete elementary school; and only 12 % worked. Content analysis revealed two categories: food restriction: anguishes and impacts that affect the daily lives of patients with CKD and the social imaginary and fear related to renal replacement therapy. Conclusions: The results revealed that diet and fear about dialysis therapy produce uncertainty, anxiety, and insecurity, in addition to a wide and impacting change in people’s lives.

Interplay of multimorbidity and polypharmacy on a community dwelling frail elderly cohort in the peri-urban slums of Delhi, India

The United Nations Population Fund suggests that the number of elderly persons is expected to grow to 173 million by 2026. The aging phase is further made adverse by conditions such as failty, multimorbidity and polypharmacy.

Development of frailty subtypes and their associated risk factors among the community-dwelling elderly population

In order to explore frailty subtypes and find their associated risk factors, we conducted cross-sectional surveys of 5,341 seniors aged 60 and over in China using the Frailty Index (FI) scale. We identified four frailty subtypes, namely multi-frail, cognitive and functionally frail, psychologically frail and physiologically frail. Old age and low education level were the common risk factors among the four subtypes. Being widowed, divorced or unmarried was a risk factor for multi-frail, cognitive and functionally frail and psychologically frail, and male sex was a protective factor against cognitive and functionally frail and psychologically frail subtypes. Having a harmonious relationship with family was a protective factor against multi-frail, and fewer visits to the elderly by their children was a risk factor for psychologically frail. Dissatisfaction with their housing was a risk factor for cognitive and functionally frail, psychologically frail and physiologically frail, and a pension being the main source of income was a risk factor for cognitive and functionally frail and psychologically frail. Exercising every day was a protective factor against multi-frail and cognitive and functionally frail, and a lower level of physical activity was a risk factor for all four frailty subtypes. Our findings confirm the heterogeneity of frailty and suggest that different frail elderly individuals need more targeted care interventions.

Survival of elderly outpatients: effects of frailty, multimorbidity and disability

This study aims to analyze the impact of frailty, multimorbidity and disability on the survival of elderly people attended in a geriatric outpatient facility, and identify the clinical risk factors associated with death. It is a longitudinal study, with 133 elderly people initially evaluated in relation to frailty, multimorbidity (simultaneous presence of three or more chronic diseases) and disability in Daily Life Activities. The Kaplan Meier method was used to analyze survival time, and the Cox regression was used for association of the clinical factors with death. In follow-up over six years, 21.2% of the participants died, survival being lowest among those who were fragile (p < 0.05). The variables frailty (HR = 2.26; CI95%: 1.03-4.93) and Chronic Renal Insufficiency (HR = 3.00; CI95%: 1.20-7.47) were the factors of highest risk for death in the multivariate analysis. Frailty had a negative effect on the survival of these patients, but no statistically significant association was found in relation to multimorbidity or disability. Tracking of vulnerabilities in the outpatient geriatric service is important, due to the significant number of elderly people with geriatric syndromes that use this type of service, and the taking of decisions on directions for care of these individuals.

Frail Patient in Hemodialysis: A New Challenge in Nephrology-Incidence in Our Area, Barcelonès Nord and Maresme

Introduction

Labeling a patient as “frail” may be useful in assessing the prognosis and therapeutic approach.

Objective

The aim of the study is to define a pattern of frailty among our dialysis population, to analyse the incidence and clinical evolution of these patients.

Materials and Methods

We analysed a total of 320 patients with stage V chronic kidney disease (CKD) who were on hemodialysis between September 2014 and September 2015. To define a patient as frail we used the Fried phenotype model, and we added a new criteria-dialysis session length longer than 12 hours/week.

Results

5.6% of the 320 patients were frail. We found statistically significant differences regarding body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin (Hgb), and serum albumin, as well as the ability to perform the basic activities of daily living (p < 0.005), ability to ambulate (p = 0.01) and perform transfers (p < 0.005). We found statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of hospital admissions (p = 0.005) and mortality (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

5.6% of the study population were frail, with lower BMI, serum albumin and hemoglobin, lower capacity for basic activities of daily living, ambulation, and transference, as well as higher morbidity and mortality.