Delayed post‐dialysis recovery times are associated with relative changes in intracellular and extracellular fluid ratios between different body compartments

Introduction Hemodialysis patient groups have advocated reducing dialysis fatigue and symptoms. We investigated whether compartmental fluid shifts were associated with peri‐dialytic fatigue and symptoms. Methods Sessional dialysis records of patients reporting both a short and delayed recovery (<1 h and ≥1 h) with corresponding bioimpedance measurements were reviewed. Results One hundred and twenty‐four patients reported both short and delayed recovery times, mean age 66.0 ± 14.8 years, 66.1% male. Differences between sessions included higher distress thermometer [4 (1–6) vs. 3 (0–5)], fatigue [4 (0–9) vs. 2 (0–7)], total symptom scores [20.5 (12.3–34.5) vs. 16 (7–28)], change in extracellular water to total body water ratios between body compartments [right leg/left arm 2.36 (1.23–4.19) vs. 1.28 (0.12–2.01), all p < 0.01] with delayed recovery, and more hemodialysis than hemodiafiltration sessions ( χ 2 4.6, p = 0.02). Conclusion Sessions with prolonged recovery times were associated with more peri‐dialytic symptoms, psychological distress, and hemodialysis mode, and greater changes in compartmental fluid shifts.