Abstract: Objective To conduct a scoping review of the studies relating to symptom clusters in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, so as to provide references for symptom management by healthcare professionals.  Methods  This study strictly followed the scoping review method reported by Arksey and O'Malley. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, WOS, CINAHL, Medline, SinoMed, CKNI, WanFang and VIP, with a timeframe from the establishment of the database to September 26, 2024. The searched references were screened, and the useful data and graphics were extracted.  Results   A total of 16 articles were included, and 31 symptom clusters were extracted. The common types of symptom clusters included gastrointestinal symptom clusters, affective symptom clusters, water and electrolyte symptom clusters, and others. Eight assessment tools were involved, all of which were multi-symptom assessment scales. Symptom clusters were extracted mainly by using exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis. The influencing factors of the symptom clusters included gender, age, dialysis age, urine output, hemoglobin, and others.  Conclusion  Various types of symptom clusters are present in MHD patients. It is necessary to explore a symptom assessment tool suitable for the MHD patients in China, the optimal nomenclature of symptom clusters, the mechanism underlying the symptom clusters, the methods appropriate for the identification of core, bridge and sentinel symptoms, and the factors influencing symptom clusters, in order for healthcare professionals to establish a targeted symptom intervention program.

Key words: Maintenance hemodialysis, Symptom cluster, Scope review