Effect of ice chips on intensity of thirst and fluid intake in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Background: Thirst is the most common complaint of patients undergoing hemodialysis with stimulating the patient to drink more fluids result in intradialytic weight gain. Thirst leads to some complication including heart problem which is one of the most common causes of death in these patients. Aim: To determine the effect of ice chips on thirst and fluid intake of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: This is a cross-over study consisting 49 patients. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of A and B.  Both groups were trained on how to complete the check lists, measurement of liquids and fluid intake at intervals between sessions. Afterward, group A was trained about the use of alternating liquid and ice and registered in the check List and group B  only about taking up the liquids and registered in the check List. In addition, the intervals between two dialysis sessions were reminded to patients by researcher by SMS for intervention and completion of the check List. Sixth week, intervention between two groups was moved. In all these sessions, intensity of thirst measured before and after and at the middle of each dialysis session. Results: There was no significant differences between the use of ice chips with severity of thirst (p= 0.806). Ice chips decreased fluid intake from 2375.4±654.2 to 2112.9±656.4 (p< 0.001), but frequency thirst increased from 12.2±3.7 to 16.5±5.4 (p< 0.00). Conclusion: Ice chips had no effect on the intensity of thirst in patients undergoing hemodialysis despite increasing the frequency of thirst but result in reducing fluid intake.