Coffee consumption in hemodialysis patients: how many?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. However, fluid intake restriction is an important and difficult challenge for hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of coffee intake on hydration and nutritional parameters of HD patients.

METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study where 373 HD patients from 8 dialysis centers in Portugal were enrolled. A face-to-face questionnaire was applied and patient's clinical and body composition parameters were analyzed. The sample was divided into 3 groups depending on coffee intake: group 1-don't drink coffee, group 2-drink 1-2 coffees/day and group 3-drink 3 or more coffees/day. Laboratory and body composition parameters were registered in the month prior to the questionnaire application. Body composition was assessed with the Body Composition Monitor (BCM; Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH, Germany).

RESULTS: Patient's mean age was 67.2 ± 14.4 years and the mean HD vintage was 61.3 ± 56.2 months. Patients who reported drinking 3 or more coffees daily were younger, presented higher levels of potassium, phosphorus, diastolic BP, albumin and interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) and lower dialysis adequacy (Kt/V). Regarding body composition, patients in the group 3 showed higher body cell mass index (BCMI) and lean tissue index (LTI). On the other hand, the group 1 were the oldest, had a higher Kt/V, a lower diastolic blood pressure (BP) and potassium levels, whereas G2 presented a lower LTI, BCMI and IDWG.

CONCLUSIONS: Drinking 3 or more coffees daily increases the risk of a higher diastolic BP, potassium and IDWG in HD patients.