Research Progress on the Pathogenesis of Frailty in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

ABSTRACT

Frailty, a clinical syndrome characterized by systemic functional decline and increased vulnerability to stressors, is highly prevalent among patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). It significantly compromises quality of life and long-term survival, posing substantial challenges to clinical management. Recent evidence suggests that frailty arises from a complex interplay of multifactorial mechanisms, including chronic inflammation, malnutrition, endocrine disorders, sarcopenia, and oxidative stress. This review aims to synthesize the current understanding of these core pathological processes, elucidate their interactive relationships, and highlight potential therapeutic targets and intervention strategies. By systematically analyzing the molecular and clinical mechanisms, we seek to provide a theoretical framework for the early identification and comprehensive management of frailty in MHD patients, ultimately improving their clinical outcomes.