Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis: Clinical Profile and Complications

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive and irreversible condition that frequently advances to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring maintenance hemodialysis for survival. Despite therapeutic advances, patients on hemodialysis (HD) remain highly vulnerable to a wide spectrum of complications influenced by comorbid conditions and treatment-related factors. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Nephrology, Community Based Medical College, Bangladesh (CBMC,B) Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, from January to December of 2025, to evaluate the clinical profile, comorbidities, and complication patterns among CKD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. A total of 197 CKD patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis were included using purposive sampling. Data was collected through structured interviews and medical record review. The mean age of participants was 52.6±13.8 years, with a male predominance (61.4%). Hypertension 85.3% and diabetes mellitus 56.9% were the most common comorbidities. Arteriovenous (AV) fistula was done in 67% of patients, while central venous catheter (CVC) was used in 33%. Anemia was the most frequent complication 77.7%, followed by intradialytic hypotension (49.7%), muscle cramps (37.6%), hyperkalemia (26.4%), and infection (20.8%). Significant associations were observed in between diabetes mellitus and intradialytic hypotension (p=0.032), and in between type of vascular access and infection (p=0.001). CKD patients on hemodialysis usually have comorbidities and they also experience multiple complications. Effective management of diabetes and hypertension, along with prioritization of arteriovenous fistula, is essential to improve patient outcomes.

CBMJ 2026 July: Vol. 15 No. 02 P:390-395