Characterizing Dysgeusia in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Dysgeusia (abnormal taste) is common in those with chronic kidney disease and contributes to poor nutritional intake. Previous sensory work has shown that taste improves after dialysis sessions. The goal of this pilot study was to characterize altered taste perceptions in patients on dialysis compared with healthy adults, and to evaluate relationships between serum parameters with taste perceptions. We hypothesized that patients undergoing dialysis would experience blunted taste intensities compared with controls, and that serum levels of potential tastants would be inversely related to taste perception of compounds. Using a cross-sectional design, we carried out suprathreshold sensory assessments (flavor intensity and liking) of tastants/flavors potentially influenced by kidney disease and/or the dialysis procedure. These included sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium phosphate, phosphoric acid, urea, ferrous sulfate, and monosodium glutamate. Individuals on maintenance hemodialysis (n= 17, 10 males, range 23–87 years) were compared with controls with normal gustatory function (n=29, 13 males, range 21–61 years). Unadjusted values for intensity and liking for the solutions showed minimal differences. However, when values were adjusted for participants’ perceptions of water (as a control for taste abnormalities), intensity of monosodium glutamate, sodium chloride, and sodium phosphate solutions were more intense for patients on dialysis compared with controls. Some significant correlations were also observed between serum parameters, particularly potassium, for dialysis patients and sensory ratings. These results suggest altered taste perception in patients during dialysis warrants further study.

Association of Zinc Deficiency with Development of CVD Events in Patients with CKD

“…Many CKD patients are elderly and using multiple medications that can affect taste sensations and increase zinc deficiency [ 38 ]. Taste change has been reported by 40–60% of pre-dialysis CKD [ 57 ] and hemodialysis [ 58 , 59 ] patients, with taste changes of “bland” and “bitter” found to be associated with upper gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and malnutrition [ 59 ].…”

The Pathophysiology and Management of Taste Changes in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review

“…In a dialysis population it was estimated that 43.8% suffered from taste abnormalities. 29 The results of the principal prevalence studies are summarized in Table 4. [30][31][32][33][34] One of the greatest challenges in synthesizing the literature in this area is the significant diversity of individual responses to an enquiry about taste and any alteration experienced.…”

Dietary Patterns and Health Outcomes among African American Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

“…Low Zn status has been associated with impaired QOL due to lower physical ability and fatigue in non-CKD patients [36,37]. Zn deficiency can contribute to disturbances in taste (dysgeusia) and smell, which may lead to poor nutritional intake, a commonly observed issue in CKD patients [38][39][40]. Non-CKD elderly persons with lower Se intakes and serum levels reported poorer self-perceived health and chewing ability [41].…”