Does the hemodialysis program affect the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) serum levels in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD)? A cross-sectional descriptive study.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effect of high-flux membrane hemodialysis on total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) serum levels in hemodialysis patients and to evaluate the clinical significance of any observed changes.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted involving 75 hemodialysis patients at An-Najah National University Hospital. tPSA and hematocrit (Hct) serum levels were measured before and after one hemodialysis session. The correlation between changes in tPSA and Hct levels was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results: The mean age of the patients was 54.25 ± 15.27 years, with a mean hemodialysis duration of 40 ± 38 months. The mean tPSA levels before and after hemodialysis were 0.95 ± 0.81 ng/ml and 1.15 ± 0.96 ng/ml, respectively. Significant increases were observed in both tPSA (t = -3.264, p = 0.002) and Hct levels (t = -7.861, p < 0.001). The percentage changes in tPSA and Hct were 20% and 12%, respectively, with no significant correlation between the changes (r = 0.152, p = 0.215).

Conclusions: Hemodialysis significantly elevates tPSA serum levels; however, no significant correlation was found between changes in tPSA and Hct. None of the patients showed clinically significant elevations in tPSA that would necessitate prostate biopsy. Therefore, high-flux membrane hemodialysis does not appear to compromise the diagnostic value of tPSA in hemodialysis patients.