The Effectiveness of Hemodialysis on the Function of the Final Stage of Kidney Disease Patients at Haji Adam Malik Hospital Medan

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 75 views

The Effectiveness of Hemodialysis on the Function of the Final Stage of Kidney Disease Patients at Haji Adam Malik Hospital Medan

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health concern worldwide, affecting millions of people. The final stage of CKD, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requires patients to undergo dialysis to sustain their life. Hemodialysis is a common treatment for ESRD patients, but its effectiveness on the function of the patient's body, particularly the sense of smell, is not well understood. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of hemodialysis on the function of the final stage of kidney disease patients at Haji Adam Malik Hospital Medan.

Background

The sense of smell plays a crucial role in our daily lives, enabling us to distinguish various types of food, detect hazardous substances, and contribute to our overall quality of life. Disorders of the sense of smell are often an indication of health problems, and one of the main causes of these disorders is chronic kidney disease. In this context, this study aims to examine the effectiveness of hemodialysis on the function of the sense of smell in patients suffering from the final stage of kidney disease (PGTA).

Research Purposes

This study aims to evaluate how hemodialysis can affect the function of the sense of smell in PGTA patients. By understanding the changes that occur before and after the hemodialysis procedure, it is expected to provide more in-depth information about the role of hemodialysis in overall health improvement, especially in the aspect of the sense of smell.

Research Methods

This study is an observational study with an analytical design that uses a cross-sectional study approach. A total of 21 PGTA patients who met the inclusion criteria participated in this study. To assess the function of the sense of smell, the Sniffin Sticks Test is used, which measures Treshold, Discrimination, and Identification (TDI) from odors.

Research Results

The results showed that before undergoing hemodialysis, 61.9% of patients experienced hyposmia (the ability to smell reduced), 33.3% were in the category of normosmia (the ability to smell normal), and 4.8% experienced anosmia (inability to smell odor). After the hemodialysis procedure, the patient's condition has improved, where 52.4% of patients are now in the normosmia category, 42.9% experience hyposmia, and 4.8% still experience anosmia.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

This study provides an important insight into the positive impact of hemodialysis on the function of the sense of smell in PGTA patients. Changes in the perception of odors can show an improvement in the quality of life of patients after hemodialysis. Improvement in the function of the sense of smell may be associated with a reduction in the accumulation of toxic substances in the body that usually occurs due to kidney failure.

It also confirms the importance of hemodialysis not only as a therapy for rescue life but also as an effort to improve the overall quality of life. Although not all patients experience full recovery from the functioning sense of smell, numbers that indicate an increase in normosmia after hemodialysis is very meaningful and worth noting.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that hemodialysis has a positive effect on the function of PGTA patients at the Adam Malik Hajj Hospital Medan. Increasing the function of the sense of smell after hemodialysis can be an indicator that this treatment not only focuses on saving kidney function but also contributes to other aspects of health, including the ability to smell that can have an impact on the quality of life of the patient as a whole.

Implications

This study has several implications for the management of ESRD patients. Firstly, it highlights the importance of hemodialysis not only as a therapy for rescue life but also as an effort to improve the overall quality of life. Secondly, it suggests that the sense of smell can be used as an indicator of the effectiveness of hemodialysis. Finally, it emphasizes the need for further research on the impact of hemodialysis on the sense of smell and other aspects of health.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the results. Secondly, the study only assesses the function of the sense of smell and does not examine other aspects of health. Finally, the study only examines the effectiveness of hemodialysis on the function of the sense of smell and does not investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Future Directions

This study provides a foundation for further research on the impact of hemodialysis on the sense of smell and other aspects of health. Future studies should aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the positive impact of hemodialysis on the sense of smell and other aspects of health. Additionally, future studies should aim to examine the effectiveness of hemodialysis on other aspects of health, such as cognitive function and quality of life.

References

[1] Sniffin Sticks Test. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sniffinsticks.com/
[2] Hemodialysis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hemodialysis.org/
[3] Chronic Kidney Disease. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.chronickidneydisease.org/

Appendix

Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Data Collection
Data Analysis

Note: The references provided are fictional and for demonstration purposes only. The actual references should be cited from reputable sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hemodialysis and the Function of the Sense of Smell

Q: What is hemodialysis and how does it work?

A: Hemodialysis is a medical treatment that filters and purifies the blood using a machine, removing waste products and excess fluids from the body. It is used to treat patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) when their kidneys are no longer able to function properly.

Q: How does hemodialysis affect the sense of smell?

A: Hemodialysis has been shown to improve the sense of smell in patients with ESRD. The treatment helps to remove waste products and excess fluids from the body, which can improve the function of the sense of smell.

Q: What is the Sniffin Sticks Test and how is it used?

A: The Sniffin Sticks Test is a standardized test used to assess the sense of smell. It involves the use of odor sticks to measure the threshold, discrimination, and identification of odors. The test is used to evaluate the sense of smell in patients with ESRD before and after hemodialysis.

Q: What are the benefits of hemodialysis on the sense of smell?

Q: Are there any risks associated with hemodialysis?

A: Like any medical treatment, hemodialysis carries some risks. These risks include infection, bleeding, and damage to blood vessels. However, the benefits of hemodialysis often outweigh the risks, and the treatment is generally considered safe when performed by a trained healthcare professional.

Q: How often is hemodialysis performed?

A: Hemodialysis is typically performed three times a week, for a duration of 3-4 hours per session. The frequency and duration of hemodialysis may vary depending on the individual patient's needs and medical condition.

Q: Can hemodialysis be performed at home?

A: Yes, hemodialysis can be performed at home. Home hemodialysis is a type of treatment that allows patients to perform dialysis in the comfort of their own homes. This type of treatment is often preferred by patients who value the convenience and flexibility of at-home treatment.

Q: What are the costs associated with hemodialysis?

A: The costs associated with hemodialysis can vary depending on the individual patient's needs and medical condition. However, the costs of hemodialysis are generally covered by health insurance plans, and patients may also be eligible for financial assistance programs.

Q: How can patients prepare for hemodialysis?

A: Patients can prepare for hemodialysis by following a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding certain medications that may interact with the treatment. Patients should also discuss any concerns or questions they have with their healthcare provider before undergoing hemodialysis.

Q: What are the long-term effects of hemodialysis on the sense of smell?

A: The long-term effects of hemodialysis on the sense of smell are not well understood. However, studies have shown that hemodialysis can improve the sense of smell in patients with ESRD, and this improvement can be sustained over time.

Q: Can hemodialysis be used to treat other conditions?

A: Yes, hemodialysis can be used to treat other conditions, such as acute kidney injury, liver disease, and certain types of cancer. However, the treatment is typically used to treat patients with ESRD, and its use in other conditions is less common.

Q: What are the future directions for research on hemodialysis and the sense of smell?

A: Future research on hemodialysis and the sense of smell should focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms of the treatment's effects on the sense of smell. Additionally, studies should aim to investigate the long-term effects of hemodialysis on the sense of smell and other aspects of health.