Abstract
Background and Objectives: Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction such as postural hypotension, impotence and ventricular arrhythmia are common problems in uremic patients. It is thought that they are due to retained uremic toxins that lead to neuronal damage. Sympathetic skin response is a non-invasive and simple examination of Autonomic nervous system.
Materials and Methods: In his study 30 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 30 patients on hemodialysis (HD) were allocated and Sympathetic skin response (SSR) study was performed in these two groups.
Results: SSR was intact in 22 of PD patients (73.3%), while it was detectable only in 4 patients (13.3%) on HD (P<0/001).
Conclusion: We concluded that sympathetic nervous system impairment was more prominent in HD than CAPD patients. It would be because of better clearance of middle molecule toxins with moderate molecular weight in peritoneal dialysis.