Fluid distribution timetable on adherence to fluid restriction of patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing haemodialysis: Single-blind, Randomized-Controlled Pilot Study.

Aim: To determine the effects of a fluid distribution timetable on adherence to fluid restriction of patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing haemodialysis.

Background: Fluid restriction is necessary among patients with chronic kidney disease. However, treatment adherence remains a challenge.

Design: Single-blind, randomized-controlled pilot study.

Methods: From September - December 2016, 24 consecutively-selected patients with end-stage renal disease from a single dialysis clinic were randomly assigned using computer-generated sequences of randomly permuted blocks stratified according to gender to receive the fluid distribution timetable or standard care. Adherence to fluid restriction was measured using two indicators-thirst and interdialytic weight gain- and were compared using One-way RM-MANOVA and MANCOVA. Secondary outcomes included baseline patient demographic and clinical characteristics and were compared according to treatment allocation. Both groups were followed-up for 4 weeks, assessing outcome measures during the second haemodialysis session for each week.

Results: At baseline, the demographic and clinical characteristics and indicators of adherence to fluid restriction were comparable between the two groups. Thirst scores, however, were statistically lower in the treatment group than the control group on the fourth week follow-up. There was also a remarkable decrease from baseline thirst and interdialytic weight gain scores in the treatment group, with partial eta-squared of 0.43 and 0.39, respectively.

Conclusion: The fluid distribution timetable was an effective adjunct treatment strategy in promoting adherence to fluid restriction. However, since this is just a pilot study, further investigation must be conducted to determine the effects of fluid distribution timetable.

Trial Registration: NCT03582592.