The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with chronic renal failure is increased and associated with impaired psychological general well-being

Background. Malnutrition occurs frequently in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms may lead to reduced food intake, resulting in malnutrition and impaired well‐being in these patients. The prevalence of GI symptoms in various chronic renal failure (CRF) groups is unexplored. We assessed the prevalence of GI complaints in patients on either haemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), or in the pre‐dialysis stage. Patients with and without diabetic nephropathy were also compared.