CompletedNot Applicable

Symptom Clusters in Hemodialysis : Insights From a Multicenter Analysis Using Tetrachoric Correlations

France256 participantsStarted 2023-01-01

Plain-language summary

In 2025, Guerraoui et al. published the Concordance Study in Clinical Kidney Journal, a large multicenter cross-sectional study embedded within the French REIN registry. This study compared symptoms reported by hemodialysis patients using the Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI) with clinician-perceived symptoms, revealing a high symptom burden and marked patient-clinician discordance \[3\]. The present work is a secondary analysis of the Concordance Study dataset. Building on the original findings, this analysis aims to deepen understanding of symptom organization and determinants in hemodialysis using multivariate and correlation-based approaches. Specifically, our objectives were : 1. to identify and characterize symptom clusters using tetrachoric correlations and hierarchical clustering; 2. to examine associations between symptoms (and clusters) and comorbidity burden, while assessing potential sex-specific patterns in symptom expression. Through this secondary analysis, we aim to clarify the internal architecture of symptom co-occurrence, identify key demographic drivers such as sex, and generate evidence supporting cluster-informed, individualized approaches to symptom assessment and management in routine nephrology care.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * undergoing maintenance hemodialysis * ≥18 years * dialysis vintage ≥3 months Exclusion Criteria: * patients with cognitive impairment (which was assessed with the presence of either clinical judgement or formal diagnosis) * patients who did not have the ability to express consent or refused to participant in the study * patients who could not read or understand French well enough to complete the questionnaire.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

identify and characterize symptom clusters

Timeframe: one day enrollment

examine associations between symptoms (and clusters) and comorbidity burden

Timeframe: one day enrollment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07465042

SponsorCalydial

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2023-01-01

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