Abstract
Hypotension during intermittent hemodialysis is common, and has been attributed to acute volume shifts, shifts in osmolarity, electrolyte imbalance, temperature changes, altered vasoregulation, and sheer hypovolemia. Although hypovolemia may intuitively seem a likely cause for hypotension in intensive care patients, its role in the pathogenesis of intradialytic hypotension may be overestimated.
Highlights
In the current issue, Bitker et al [1] report the prevalence and risk factors of hypotension during intermittent hemodialysis in ICU patients
* Correspondence: david.berger@insel.ch Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland likely causes of intradialytic hypotension in the ICU. This assumption is contradicted by Bitker et al hypotension was common, only every fifth hypotensive episode was associated with preload dependence, defined as increased stroke volume following passive leg raising (PLR) [1]
Preload dependence or a change in cardiac output in response to preload alteration is normal, whereas preload independence is pathologic, indicating that the heart is operating at the flat part of its function curve
Summary
Bitker et al [1] report the prevalence and risk factors of hypotension during intermittent hemodialysis in ICU patients. Background In the current issue, Bitker et al [1] report the prevalence and risk factors of hypotension during intermittent hemodialysis in ICU patients. Hypotension during intermittent hemodialysis occurs in around 50–60 % of critically ill patients [1, 2] and in 25–50 % of chronic renal failure patients [3]. Intradialytic hypotension may cause problems in volume management and metabolic control.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
