Anaemia as a Determinant of Cognitive Dysfunction in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: Evidence from a Single-Centre Study.

Background and

Objectives

Cognitive disorders are a significant health problem in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis and can profoundly impair both quality of life and treatment outcomes. Early identification of risk factors for the development of cognitive disorders in this population is therefore essential. This study aimed to (1) determine the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction in patients on peritoneal dialysis, (2) examine its association with sociodemographic characteristics, and (3) assess whether anaemia is associated with cognitive dysfunction in these patients. Materials and

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2024 at the University Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Clinic for Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, and included 36 patients on peritoneal dialysis. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to evaluate cognitive function, while a structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data. Anaemia was determined based on haemoglobin levels.

Results

Cognitive dysfunction was present in 69.4% of patients on peritoneal dialysis, while anaemia, as indicated by haemoglobin values, was present in 58.3% of the sample. Older age, rural residence, and lower haemoglobin levels were significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Conclusions

Preserved cognitive function is a key prerequisite for the adequate implementation of peritoneal dialysis and for maintaining patients' quality of life. The findings indicate the need for further research to identify effective strategies for preventing and treating anaemia, a factor associated with cognitive dysfunction in this patient population.