#2764 Predictive factors for hospitalizations: comparison between incremental hemodialysis and conventional hemodialysis

Abstract Background and Aims Hospitalizations of hemodialysis patients represent a major challenge in nephrology due to their frequency and their impact on patients' quality of life as well as healthcare costs. Various factors are responsible, including dialysis-related complications, comorbidities, and socio-economic constraints. Among the main causes of hospitalization are infections, cardiovascular disorders, electrolyte imbalances, and complications related to vascular access, such as thrombosis and infections. Method We collected data from 127 patients over a period spanning from January 2018 to January 2023 in two nephrology departments. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group consisted of 72 patients undergoing hemodialysis three times a week, and the second group consisted of 55 patients undergoing hemodialysis two or once a week. Results In our study, the hospitalization rate was significantly higher in the conventional hemodialysis group (31.9% compared to 10.9%). In univariate analysis, the predictive factors for hospitalization were conventional hemodialysis and the presence of hypertension (HTN) before, during, and after dialysis. Indeed, 79.31% of patients on conventional hemodialysis were hospitalized, compared to only 20.68% of patients who underwent incremental hemodialysis. Additionally, patients with HTN before dialysis (37.9% vs. 15.3%), during dialysis (37.9% vs. 15.3%), and after dialysis (27.6% vs. 10.2%) required more hospitalizations. We also identified inadequate and unsatisfactory HD as a predictive factor for hospitalization, with a rate of 51.7%. Furthermore, hyperkalemia and anuria were associated with more frequent hospitalizations, with 65.5% of hyperkalemic patients and 75.9% of anuric patients being hospitalized. Conclusion Early identification of these factors and the adoption of preventive strategies, such as enhanced patient education and optimized management of comorbidities, could help reduce hospitalization rates and improve clinical outcomes for hemodialysis patients.