Browsing by Author "Karaca, C."

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Effects of Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus on Quality of Life in Hemodialysis and Non-Dialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Dustri-Verlag Dr. Karl Feistle, 2025) Ucar, A.; Dincer, M.T.; Mirioglu, S.; Keskin, S.; Karaca, C.
Aims: Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a common and distressing symptom, particularly in hemodialysis (HD) patients, significantly impacting their quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CKD-aP frequency and severity on quality of life in both HD and non-HD stage 3 – 5 CKD patients. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional case-control study was conducted from January to May 2024. Pruritus was assessed using the 5-D itch scale, and quality of life was evaluated with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Short Form (WHOQoL-BREF) questionnaire. Correlations between pruritus severity and patient characteristics were analyzed. Results: The study involved 169 patients, comprising 80 non-HD stage 3 – 5 CKD patients and 89 HD patients, with a mean age of 55.2 ± 16.7 years. Pruritus was significantly more prevalent in the HD group than in the non-HD group (61.8 vs. 41.3%, p = 0.008). HD patients had more pruritic body areas and higher 5-D itch scale scores (0 (0 – 8.5) vs. 0 (0 – 3.75), p = 0.002; 9.3 (8.0 – 14.8) vs. 8.0 (8.0 – 10.3), p = 0.003). In the HD group, pruritus was associated with lower quality of life in the psychological health, social relationships, and environment domains of the WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire (50.0 (35.4 – 58.3)% vs. 54.2 (42.7 – 66.7)%, p = 0.027; 50.0 (33.3 – 58.3)% vs. 50.0 (41.6 – 66.7)%, p = 0.046; 53.1 (40.6 – 65.5)% vs. 56.3 (50.0 – 68.8)%, p = 0.026, respectively). Pruritus also correlated with lower hemoglobin levels, higher serum creatinine levels, and poorer overall quality of life in both groups, with female sex and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent use as significant contributing factors. Conclusion: Pruritus significantly impairs the quality of life in HD patients. ©2025 Dustri-Verlag Dr. K. Feistle.
Impact of Altitude on Anemia, Erythropoietin-Stimulating Agent, and İntravenous Iron Requirement in Hemodialysis Patients
(Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi, 2023) Karaca, C.; Alagoz, S.; Alan, A.M.; Keskin, B.N.A.; Usakli, S.; Kantarci, M.; Trabulus, S.
Anemia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Previous studies have shown the curative effects of altitude on anemia in hemodialysis (HD) and non-hemodialysis CKD. This study examined the effect of altitude on erythropoietin stimulating agent (ESA), İntravenous (IV) iron requirement in HD patients. This retrospective observational study was conducted between January and June 2023. The study group was divided into two groups according to altitude: HD patients living in Van Province (1,730 meters, 5,765 feet) in the high-altitude group (HAG) and HD patients living in Istanbul Province (sea level) in the low-altitude group (LAG). In addition to hemoglobin (Hgb) and ferritin levels, ESA and IV iron doses were recorded at monthly visits for six months. These values of the HAG and LAG were compared. A total of 184 patients were included in the study (HAG: 108 patients and LAG: 79 patients). HD patients living at high altitudes had statistically significantly higher Hgb and ferritin values compared to low altitudes (HAG: 11.5 g/dL, 749 pg/L vs. LAG: 11.3 g/dL; 543 pg/L; p=0.04, p< 0.001, respectively). In addition, ESA (HAG: 53 IU/kg/week, 12000 IU/month vs. LAG: 100.6 IU/kg/week, 24000 IU/month; p<0.001) and IV iron (HAG: 208.3±151 mg/month vs. LAG:364.9±300.8 mg/month; p=0.002) dose was significantly lower. HD patients living at high altitude needed lower doses of ESA and IV iron to reach hig her Hgb values than patients living at lower altitude. © 2023, Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi. All rights reserved.