*2.7.1 Post-dialysis fatigue*

It is an ill-defined term, suggesting washed-out feeling or malaise during or after hemodialysis by the patient. It is seen in about one-third of the hemodialysis patients and is multifactorial in origin [17].

Reduced cardiac output, peripheral vascular disease, depression, poor conditioning, post-dialysis hypotension, hypokalemia and hypoglycemia are suggested risk factors.

Management include:

Increasing frequency and duration of dialysis have been suggested to reduce postdialysis fatigue.

L-carnitine supplementation 20 mg/kg/day has been shown benefit in reducing the recovery time in hemodialysis patients.

Post-dialysis fatigue is associated with an increase risk of mortality, the higher the post-dialysis recovery time the higher the mortality risk.
