Risk factors and prevalence of cognitive impairment in maintenance haemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

AimsTo systematically identify the risk factors for cognitive impairment in maintenance haemodialysis patients and to assess its prevalence in included studies. DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis about observational studies. Data SourcesSystematic search of seven databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scope, Wanfang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and Weipu Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database, from inception until October 2021. Review MethodsObservational studies reporting the risk factors for cognitive impairment in maintenance haemodialysis patients in English and Chinese language were included. Meta-analysis was performed to identify risk factors and prevalence of cognitive impairment in maintenance haemodialysis patients with STATA 15.0 software. ResultsOverall, 37 eligible studies encompassing 129,849 cases were included. The risk factors with statistical significance after meta-analysis were older age, female sex, fewer years of education, hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular accident, multiple comorbid conditions, systolic blood pressure variability, arterial stiffness and low haemoglobin and albumin level. The overall prevalence of cognitive impairment in maintenance haemodialysis patients was 49.1%. ConclusionThe current analysis indicated a high prevalence of cognitive impairment in maintenance haemodialysis patients. Eleven risk factors for cognitive impairment in maintenance haemodialysis patients were identified, among which more attention should be paid to modifiable factors such as cardiovascular disease risk factors and specific kidney and dialysis-related factors. ImpactThis paper provides an updated estimate of the pooled prevalence of cognitive impairment in maintenance haemodialysis patients. Identification of risk factors associated with cognitive impairment may assist in developing targeted prevention strategies for maintenance haemodialysis patients at high risk. No Patient or Public ContributionThis study was a systematic review completed by the authors in accordance with relevant guidelines and processes and did not include the participation of patients, service users, caregivers or the general public.