Risk Factors Affecting 5-Year Mortality in Incident Hemodialysis Patients in the Black Sea Region of Turkiye

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for all-cause mortality in incident hemodialysis patients during 5 years of the follow-up period. Methods: The study was conducted with 163 incident hemodialysis patients in the Black Sea region of Turkey. The patients were followed up for up to 5 years. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to detect the independent risk factors that affect mortality. Results: The median duration of follow-up was 50 (25-60) months. A total of 73 (44.8%) patients died during the 5 years of the follow-up period. The 5- year survival was 52%. Age > 65 years [hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.917 (1.068-3.444); P = .029], use of a central venous catheter [hazard ratio (95% CI): 4.136 (2.338-7.319); P < .0001], serum albumin < 3.5 g/dL [hazard ratio (95% CI): 3.689 (1.876-7.257); P < .0001], corrected calcium < 8.4 mg/dL [hazard ratio (95% CI): 2.219 (1.132- 4.351); P = .020], parathyroid hormone < 150 pg/mL [hazard ratio (95% CI): 2.243 (1.048-4.803); P = .037], uric acid > 7 mg/dL [hazard ratio (95% CI): 2.386 (1.154-4.933); P = .019], hemoglobin < 10 g/dL [hazard ratio (95% CI): 2.404 (1.280-4.515); P = .006], and transferrin saturation < 20% [hazard ratio (95% CI): 2.215 (1.102-4.453); P = .026] were identified as independent risk factors for mortality. Conclusion: Advanced age, use of a central venous catheter, hypocalcemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperuricemia, adynamic bone disease, hemoglobin < 10 g/dL, and transferrin saturation < 20% are associated with an increased all-cause mortality risk in incident hemodialysis patients. Keywords: Central venous catheter, hemodialysis, hypoalbuminemia, mortality