Chronic pain and pharmacotherapy in chronic renal patients on hemodialysis

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the intensity of chronic pain and pharmacotherapy in chronic renal patients on hemodialysis. Method: This is a cross-sectional, prospective study conducted in a Service of Substitute Renal Therapy in the South region of Brazil. Seventy adult patients with chronic renal disease, who were undergoing hemodialysis treatment in the first half of 2015, participated in the study. We used the Graduated Scale for Chronic Pain. The data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 18.0. The study was approved under Nº. CAAE: 20138913.4.0000.0118. Results: Fifty-one (72%) patients reported some forms of pain in the last six months, 17 (24%) reported severely limiting pain, high interference and persistence. Painkillers were most widely used therapy for pain management, in 19 patients (27%). Conclusion: Chronic pain was reported in different degrees of intensity, with severely limiting character, high interference, and persistence. Painkil- lers were the most widely used pharmacological class to control it.