The effects of Amlodipine and Propranolol on Haemodialysis Efficiency in End-Stage Renal Failure patients

Abstract

Background: The high rate of death and sickness perceived in patients with end-stage renal disease is principally ascribed to the inadequacy of haemodialysis (HD), and this may relate to inadequate analysis of the factors affecting the HD process, including drugs taken by these patients. Aims and Objective: To explore the potential association of a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) and a beta-blocker prototype (propranolol) separately with the dialysis efficiency in HD patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study which include 275 (112 females and 163 males, 83% of whom also suffered from hypertension) patients with end-stage renal failure on haemodialysis. Patients were categorized into three groups: 125 patients taking amlodipine, 81 patients taking propranolol, and 69 patients not taking any of the above medications (controls). The HD efficiency, and the percentage reduction in creatinine, uric acid, and urea levels were compared between groups. Results: Compared with patients who were not receiving amlodipine or propranolol, a significant increase in the major HD adequacy marker which is the Kt/V ratio, as well as in the percentage reduction in creatinine, uric acid, and urea levels, was observed in patients taking amlodipine, but a significant decrease in these markers was detected in patients taking propranolol. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings indicate that the haemodialysis efficiency may be significantly improved (diminished) by supplementation with amlodipine (propranolol).