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Minerals, trace elements, Vit. D and bone health

Managing serum phosphate in haemodialysis patients: time for an innovative approach?

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 68, pages 392–396 (2014)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background/Objectives:

Hyperphosphataemia, a common biochemical abnormality in chronic kidney disease, poses significant management challenges. This study aims to determine whether the reasons for this are multifactorial; including poor dietary knowledge, poor adherence to a low phosphate diet and phosphate-binding medications and the impact of age on these parameters.

Subjects/Methods:

In order to compare serum phosphate and other associated parameters to the UK Renal Association Clinical Practice Guidelines 2010 an audit and service evaluation questionnaire was carried out in May 2011 on 130 haemodialysis outpatients attending the Plymouth Dialysis Unit.

Results:

Fifty-three percent of patients had serum phosphate within the target range of 1.1–1.7 mmol/l, 77% and 85% had serum calcium and parathyroid hormone within target ranges, respectively. Younger patients (18–45years) were significantly less likely to have serum phosphate within range χ2 (2, n=124)=18.77, P<0.001. Despite better knowledge of their own phosphate levels (P=0.005), phosphorus-rich foods (P<0.001), symptoms of hyperphosphataemia (P<0.001) and increased use of Renal Patient View (P=0.002), <65 years old had significantly higher phosphate levels than those >65 years (P<0.001). No significant associations were found between phosphate control and the following factors: gender, timing of dialysis shift, years on dialysis or dialysis adequacy.

Conclusions:

In this population, despite better knowledge, younger patients have worse phosphate control than older patients. Using the same dietary education techniques may not be suitable for all ages, more innovative approaches supported by skilled health professionals are needed to motivate and engage with younger patients to promote self-management and adherence.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the haemodialysis patients for their participation and the following final year dietetics students; Annie Fitzpatrick, Sarah Evans and Janine Machin, for contributing in data collection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Health Professions, Plymouth University, PAHC, Plymouth, UK

    A Collinson & M McMullan

  2. Department of Nephrology, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK

    W Y Tse & H Sadler

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  1. A Collinson
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  2. M McMullan
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Correspondence to A Collinson.

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Collinson, A., McMullan, M., Tse, W. et al. Managing serum phosphate in haemodialysis patients: time for an innovative approach?. Eur J Clin Nutr 68, 392–396 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2013.283

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