Role of Age and Uric Acid Levels on Dialysis Efficacy among End Stage Renal Disease Patients in Saudi Arabia

Background: Patients with end stage kidney dysfunction is increasing dramatically in Saudi Arabia; especially in the age group of more than 65 years, which constitutes 21% of all chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. In recent years, more attention is paid to uric acid (UA) as a risk factor in kidney impairment patients. Objectives: To assess the relationship between serum uric acid levels and hemodialysis efficiency among end stage renal disease patients in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A total of 255 hemodialysis patients (102 males and 153 females) were enrolled in this retrospective study. The range was 25 to 83 years with median age of 51 years. Blood samples drawn from patients before and after the hemodialysis session were analyzed for urea, creatinine, and uric acid. Results: The proportion of female patinets with CKD was significantly higher (60%,(p<0.05), than the males in the patient group examined. Among hemodialysis patients, the incidence of hypertension was 86 % (p<0.05). There was a negative association between UA and hemodialysis efficiency in patients aged less than 50 years. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between levels of UA and urea (r=0.579 p <0.001) and creatinine (r=0.736 p <0.001). Conclusion: Taken together, the results of this study indicate that the hemodialysis efficiency in HD subjects, particularly in the < 50 years of age may be improved by decreasing the serum uric levels.