Clinical trial of hemodialysis in chronic schizophrenia

Abstract

The hemodialysis program was carried out in 4 male chronic schizophrenic patients hospitalized 3-12 mo. in the Psychiatric Clinic, Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland. The diagnosis was made independently by 3 psychiatrists. The disease lasted 5-26 yr. The clinical assessment of mental and physical state followed each dialysis. The BPRS [Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale], CGI [Clinical Global Impressions] and Wing''s Ward Behavior Scale were filled. Dialyses (11-20) were conducted once a week (2 patients) or twice weekly (2 patients). Neuroleptics were withdrawn. A short period of slight, unspecific improvement was followed by a deterioration in all cases, which made it necessary to put the patients back on neuroleptics. At the end of the dialysis program none of the patients improved. Further research on the efficacy of dialysis in chronic schizophrenia should be made before the final assessment of its value.