Geriatric Depression Scale predicts mortality in elderly patients on chronic hemodialysis.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine if the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was predictor of mortality in elderly patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD).

Methods: A total of 140 HD patients ≥65 years were studied. Symptoms of depression were assessed through GDS and cognitive function through the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Thirst in patients on chronic hemodialysis: What do we know so far?

Thirst has been defined as "the sensation that leads animal's and human's actions toward the goal of finding and drinking water" or as "any drive that can motivate water intake, regardless of cause". Thirst, together with xerostomia, is the main cause of poor adherence to fluid restriction and of excessive intake of fluids in patients on chronic hemodialysis, and consequently of high interdialytic weight gain. Interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) should be lower than 4.