Frequent Intradialytic Hypotension Research Articles

Association of frequent intradialytic hypotension with the clinical outcomes of patients on hemodialysis: a prospective cohort study

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common complication of hemodialysis (HD), but there is no consensus on its definition. In 2015, Flythe proposed a definition of IDH (Definition 1 in this study): nadir systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mmHg during hemodialysis for patients with pre-dialysis SBP <159 mmHg, and nadir SBP <100 mmHg during hemodialysis for patients with pre-dialysis SBP ≥160 mmHg. This prospective observational cohort study investigated the association of frequent IDH based on Definition 1 with clinical outcomes and compared Definition 1 with a commonly used definition (nadir SBP <90 mmHg during hemodialysis, Definition 2). The incidence of IDH was observed over a 3-month exposure assessment period. Patients with IDH events ≥30% were classified as ‘frequent IDH’; the others were ‘infrequent IDH’. All-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause hospitalization events were followed up for 36 months. This study enrolled 163 HD patients. The incidence of IDH was 11.1% according to Definition 1 and 10.5% according to Definition 2. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed that frequent IDH patients had higher risks of all-cause mortality (p = 0.009, Definition 1; p = 0.002, Definition 2) and cardiovascular mortality (p = 0.021, Definition 1). Multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated that frequent IDH was independently associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (Model 1: HR = 2.553, 95%CI 1.334–4.886, p = 0.005; Model 2: HR = 2.406, 95%CI 1.253–4.621, p = 0.008). In conclusion, HD patients classified as frequent IDH are at a greater risk of all-cause mortality. This highlights the significance of acknowledging and proactively managing frequent IDH within the HD patients.

Impact of frequent intradialytic hypotension on quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis

BackgroundIntradialytic hypotension (IDH) is frequently accompanied by symptoms of nausea, dizziness, fatigue, muscle spasm, and arrhythmia, which can adversely impact the daily lives of patients who undergo hemodialysis and may lead to decreased quality of life (QoL). This study employed the KDQOL™-36 scale to evaluate the impact of frequent IDH, based on the definition determined by predialysis blood pressure (BP) and nadir systolic blood pressure (SBP) thresholds, on the QoL of patients.MethodsThis is a single center retrospective cohort study involving 160 hemodialysis patients. We enrolled adult patients with uremia who received routine hemodialysis (4 h/time, 3 times/week) from October 1, 2019, to September 30, 2021. Frequent IDH was defined as an absolute nadir SBP < 90 mmHg occurring in no less than 30% of hemodialysis sessions when predialysis SBP < 159 mmHg (or < 100 mmHg when predialysis BP ≥ 160 mmHg).The differences between patients with and without frequent IDH were compared using the independent t test, Kruskal‒Wallis test, or chi-square test. The primary visit was at month 36, and the remaining visits were exploratory outcomes.ResultsCompared to patients with infrequent IDH at baseline, those with frequent IDH had significantly lower scores on the symptoms and discomfort of kidney disease dimension at all follow-up points (P < 0.05). The symptoms and discomfort of kidney disease dimension were worse in patients with frequent IDH. Those with frequent IDH had a significantly poorer QoL regarding the dimensions of symptoms and discomfort of kidney disease and the impact of kidney disease on life.ConclusionsThe findings of the study suggest an association between frequent IDH and QoL dimensions of symptoms and discomfort of kidney disease and the impact of kidney disease on life dimension under the definition of frequent IDH.

Acetate-Free Biofiltration Versus Online Acetate-Free Hemodiafiltration in Patients at High Risk of Hemodialysis Intolerance

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is one of the most frequent1,2 and worrying issues in chronic hemodialysis.3,4 Systolic blood pressure (BP) <90 mm Hg has the strongest association with mortality in patients receiving chronic kidney replacement therapy (CKRT).3 IDH results from the combination of excessive ultrafiltration rate, membrane bio-incompatibility, and inappropriate hemodynamic response (heart rate and contractility, vascular tone).5 Modulation of the dialysate composition can improve tolerance, but standard bicarbonate dialysis remains associated with frequent IDH in patients at high risk.

MO728OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY (OCT-A) METRICS PREDICT INTRADIALYTIC HYPOTENSION EPISODES IN CHRONIC HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: A PILOT, PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract Background and Aims In chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients, intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a complication that increases mortality risk. The pathogenesis of this condition remains partly unexplained although dysfunctions of the nervous autonomous system and various factors related to the hemodialytic procedure like rapid or excessive ultrafiltration, excessive reduction in osmolality and reaction to the dialyzer membrane or machine tubing, seem to play a key role. The observation of ocular microcirculation gives us an exceptional chance to directly evaluate in vivo the reactions of human circulation to stress stimuli. Indeed, the ocular microcirculation is involved in systemic disease and early changes in vascular structures may predict the development of systemic vascular disorders. We run a pilot study to analyzing possible relationships between optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) metrics and IDH and to evaluate whether OCT-A could represent a useful tool to stratify the hypotensive risk in dialysis patients. Method a total of 35 eyes (35 patients) being correctly analyzed. OCT-A was performed before and after a single dialysis session. Patients were then followed up to 30 days (10 HD sessions) and a total of 73 IDHs were recorded with 12 patients (60%) experiencing at least one IDH. Results Central choroid thickness (CCT), 6x6 mm whole vessel density (VD) of superficial capillary plexus (SPC) and 6x6 mm foveal VD of deep capillary plexus (DCP) were reduced after dialysis (Figure 1). At logistic regression analysis, IDH was positively associated with baseline foveal VD of SCP and DCP, while an inverse association was found with the choroid (Figure 2). In Kaplan-Meier analyses of patients categorized according to the ROC-derived optimal thresholds, CCT, the 3x3 foveal VD of SCP, the 3x3 mm and 6x6 mm foveal VD of DCP and the 6x6 mm foveal VD of SCP were strongly associated with a higher risk of IDH over the 30-days follow-up. Conclusion In our study, we demonstrated that HD patients experiencing frequent IDH episodes showed a different ocular pattern with respect to those not facing with this complication. Furthermore, a simple measurement of retinal and choroid parameters by OCT-A before a single dialysis session may help predicting the risk of following IDH in the short-term. In HD patients, a single OCT-A measurement may represent a non-invasive, rapid tool to evaluate the compliance of vascular bed to HD stress and to stratify the risk of IDH in the short term.

Prévalence et facteurs de risque associés à l’hypotension intradialytique en Afrique subsaharienne : cas du Burkina Faso

AimThe aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with intradialytic hypotension in our cohort of chronic hemodialysis patients. MethodsThis was a prospective monocentric study over a six-month period. Intradialytic hypotension was defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure ≥ 20mmHg or a decrease in mean arterial pressure of 10mmHg associated with clinical events and the need for nursing interventions. The groups were compared using univariate analysis of variance. ResultsWe included 48 patients and counted 3014 hemodialysis sessions. The mean age was 44.7±15 years. The prevalence of intradialytic hypotension was 12.4%, with cramps 20 (41.7%) as the main symptom. Factors associated with frequent intradialytic hypotension compared to the groups without intradialytic hypotension and with infrequent intradialytic hypotension were age (61±13 years, p=0.018), diabetes (33.3%, p=0.019), high body mass index (27, 3±7.8kg/m2, p=0.002), interdialytic weight gain ≥ 5% of baseline weight (66.7%, p=0.033), hourly ultrafiltration (800±275ml/h, p=0.037) and perdialytic feeding (33.3%, p=0.016). Low pre-dialysis diastolic blood pressure (72±13mmHg, p=0.012) and high baseline weight (73.9±17.5kg, p=0.028) were associated with frequent versus infrequent intradialytic hypotension. ConclusionIntradialytic hypotension is common in our context. Its prevention in at-risk patients is critical to reducing morbidity and mortality and improving quality of life.

Intradialytic Hypotension and Newly Recognized Peripheral Artery Disease in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) may decrease systemic circulation to the legs, exacerbating symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD). We sought to evaluate the relationship between IDH and newly recognized lower extremity PAD among hemodialysis patients. Retrospective cohort study. Linking data from the US Renal Data System to the electronic health records of a large dialysis provider, we identified adult patients (≥18 years of age) with Medicare Parts A and B who initiated dialysis (2006-2011) without previously recognized PAD. The time-varying proportion of hemodialysis sessions with IDH defined as the nadir intradialytic systolic blood pressure<90 mm Hg. We categorized the proportion of sessions with IDH within serial 30-day intervals as 0%, >0% to<15%, 15% to<30%, and≥30%. Newly recognized PAD was ascertained using PAD diagnostic and procedure codes for amputation or revascularization, in serial 30-day intervals subsequent to each 30-day exposure interval. To account for the competing risks of death and kidney transplantation, we estimated unadjusted and adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios using the Kaplan-Meier multiple imputation method in combination with the extended Cox model to account for IDH as a time-varying exposure. Among 45,591 patients, those with more frequent baseline IDH had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. During 61,725 person-years of follow-up, 7,886 patients had newly recognized PAD. We found a graded, direct association between IDH and newly recognized PAD. For example, having IDH in≥30% of dialysis sessions during a given 30-day interval (vs 0%) was associated with a 24% (95% CI, 17%-32%) higher hazard than having newly recognized PAD in the subsequent 30 days. Unmeasured confounding; ascertainment of PAD from claims. Patients receiving hemodialysis who had more frequent IDH had higher rates of newly recognized PAD. Patients with frequent IDH may warrant careful examination for PAD.

Cumulative Exposure to Frequent Intradialytic Hypotension Associates With New-Onset Dementia Among Elderly Hemodialysis Patients

Cumulative Exposure to Frequent Intradialytic Hypotension Associates With New-Onset Dementia Among Elderly Hemodialysis Patients

Dialysate sodium and intradialytic hypotension.

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common complication in hemodialysis, particularly with the time and frequency constraints of standard session delivery in contemporary practice. High intradialytic weight gain (IDWG), high ultrafiltration rates (UFR), and frequent IDH are highly interlinked, and separately or together contribute to the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality observed in the hemodialysis population. Using a lower concentration of sodium in the dialysate (D-Na) reduces sodium delivery to the patient during dialysis, and several studies reported the beneficial effect in controlling IDWG, UFR, and hypertension. On the other hand, high dialysate sodium is associated with more hemodynamic benefits in an unstable patient. The resulting sodium loading may, however, induce a vicious cycle of higher IDWG, requiring more rapid ultrafiltration, eventually contributing to intradialytic symptoms and hypotension. In this article, we review the available literature on fixed and profiled dialysate sodium prescriptions, and we recommend a tailored approach that considers the patient's status to optimize dialysis delivery.

Predictors of post-hospitalization recovery of renal function among patients with acute kidney injury requiring dialysis.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis complicates 1% of all hospital admissions, and up to 30% of survivors will still require dialysis at hospital discharge. There is a paucity of data to describe the postdischarge outcomes or to guide evidence-based dialysis management of this vulnerable population. Single-center, retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive patients with AKI who survived to hospital discharge and required outpatient dialysis. Data collection included baseline characteristics, hospitalization characteristics, and outpatient dialysis treatment variables. Primary outcome was dialysis independence 90 days after discharge. Overall, 43% of patients recovered adequate renal function to discontinue dialysis, with the majority recovering within 30 days post discharge. Worse baseline renal function was associated with lower likelihood of renal recovery. In the first week postdischarge, patients with subsequent nonrecovery of renal function had greater net fluid removal (5.3 vs. 4.1 L, P = 0.037), higher ultrafiltration rates (6.0 vs. 4.7 mL/kg/h, P = 0.041) and more frequent intradialytic hypotension (24.6% vs. 9.3% with 3 or more episodes, P = 0.049) compared to patients that later recovered. A significant proportion of AKI survivors will recover renal function following discharge. Outpatient intradialytic factors may influence subsequent renal function recovery.

Prevalence of intradialytic hypotension, clinical symptoms and nursing interventions - a three-months, prospective study of 3818 haemodialysis sessions

BackgroundIntradialytic hypotension (IDH) is considered one of the most frequent complications of haemodialysis with an estimated prevalence of 20–50 %, but studies investigating its exact prevalence are scarce. A complicating factor is that several definitions of IDH are used. The goal of this study was, to assess the prevalence of IDH, primarily in reference to the European Best Practice Guideline (EBPG) on haemodynamic instability: A decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥20 mmHg or in mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥10 mmHg associated with a clinical event and the need for nursing intervention.MethodsDuring 3 months we prospectively collected haemodynamic data, clinical events, and nursing interventions of 3818 haemodialysis sessions from 124 prevalent patients who dialyzed with constant ultrafiltration rate and dialysate conductivity. Patients were considered as having frequent IDH if it occurred in >20 % of dialysis sessions.ResultsDecreases in SBP ≥20 mmHg or MAP ≥10 mmHg occurred in 77.7 %, clinical symptoms occurred in 21.4 %, and nursing interventions were performed in 8.5 % of dialysis sessions. Dialysis hypotension according to the full EBPG definition occurred in only 6.7 % of dialysis sessions. Eight percent of patients had frequent IDH.ConclusionsThe prevalence of IDH according to the EBPG definition is low. The dominant determinant of the EBPG definition was nursing intervention since this was the component with the lowest prevalence. IDH seems to be less common than indicated in the literature but a proper comparison with previous studies is complicated by the lack of a uniform definition.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12882-016-0231-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The source of net ultrafiltration during hemodialysis is mostly the extracellular space regardless of hydration status.

Fluid shifts are common in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (HD) during the intradialytic periods, as several liters of fluid are removed during ultrafiltration (UF). Some patients have experienced frequent intradialytic hypotension (IDH). However, the characteristics of fluid shifts and which fluid space is affected remain controversial. Therefore, we designed this study to evaluate the fluid spaces most affected by UF and to determine whether hydration status influences the fluid shifts during HD. This was a prospective cohort study of 40 patients undergoing HD. We measured the patient's fluid spaces using a whole-body bioimpedance apparatus to evaluate the changes in the fluid spaces before HD and 1-4 hours of HD and 30 minutes after HD. UF achieved during HD by the 40 patients (age, 60.0 ± 5.2 years; 50% men; 50% of patients with diabetes; body weight, 61.3 ± 10.5 kg) was 2.18 ± 0.78 L (measured fluid overload, 2.15 ± 1.24 L). 1) Mean relative reduction of total body water and extracellular water was reduced from the start to the end of HD. 2) However, mean relative reduction of intracellular water was not reduced from the start to the end of HD. 3) No significant differences in fluid shifts were observed according to hydration status. The source of net UF during HD is mostly the extracellular space regardless of hydration status. Thus, IDH may be related to differences in the interstitial fluid shift to the vascular space.

FP641COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DIAGNOSTIC METHODS FOR VOLUME STATUS ESTIMATION AND INTRADIALYTIC HYPOTENSION PREVENTION IN MAINTENANCE HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: To estimate volume status in maintenance haemodialysis (HD) patients by cardio-thoracic ratio (CTR) method, serum level of N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NTpro-BNP), colapsibility index (CI) of inferior vena cava method and by multifrequency bioimpendance analysis (BIA). We also wanted to make a correlation of these methods and to perform a dry weight correction according to the multifrequency BIA results of patient's volume status. According to that intervention we expected to decrease a number of patients with symptomatic intradialytic hypotension (IDH). METHODS: 128 patients on maintenance HD were tested for eligibility in Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Croatia, and 65 of them were enrolled in the study. According to the frequency of IDH patients were divided in two groups: 38 patients with frequent symptomatic IDH, and 27 patiens without frequent symptomatic IDH. Volume status was estimated in all patients by four methods: CTR, NTpro-BNP, multifrequency BIA and CI of inferior vena cava, at the beginning of the study and after six months. During a follow up period, dry weight of the patients was corrected by multifrequency BIA after one and three months, respectively. Results of volume status estimated by all four methods were correlated, and also was a frequency of symptomatic IDH and the beginning and at the end of the study. RESULTS: The mean age of the patiens was 64, 98 ± 11, 73 years, range from 38 to 85 years, and 35 (53, 85%) were men. The most common underlying renal disease was diabetic nephropathy in 19 (29%) patients. Comparative analysis of the volume status estimation by CTR, multifrequency BIA, IK of inferior vena cava, and NTproBNP indicated a significant correlation (at the beginning of the study and after six months). The number of symptomatic IDH in 38 (58%) patients decreased to the 11 (17%) patients at the end of follow up (p<0, 001). Risk factors for development of symptomatic IDH were older age (P=0, 041), and diabetes (p<0, 001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a great incidence of symptomatic IDH in the patients on the maintenance HD. The interdialytic weight gain, and the number of symptomatic IDH decreased by dry weight correction according to the multifrequency BIA. Comparative analysis of four methods for volume status estimation indicates a good correlation. Multifrequency BIA is objective, fast, non-invasive, without X-ray emission and highly reproducible method which could be used for volume status estimation and symptomatic IDH prevention in maintenance HD patients.

Are Dialysate Sodium Levels Too High?

Universal lower dialysate [Na+] is often advocated as a means of improving the dire cardiovascular plight of our dialysis patients. However, there is evidence associating lower dialysate [Na+] and increased morbidity and mortality especially in frailer patients, probably as a result of more frequent intra-dialytic hypotension. In this editorial, we summarize arguments for and against lower dialysate [Na+], and provide recommendations around selecting the most appropriate dialysate [Na+] for specific clinical subsets that may benefit from manipulation of salt and water balance. The lack of overall clarity on relative benefits and risks of lower dialysate [Na+] does not support the case for empirical "across the board" change, and experimental testing in clinical trials is required to determine safe and effective use.

Intradialytic Hypotension and Vascular Access Thrombosis

Identifying potential modifiable risk factors to reduce the incidence of vascular access thrombosis in hemodialysis could reduce considerable morbidity and health care costs. We analyzed data from a subset of 1426 HEMO study subjects to determine whether more frequent intradialytic hypotension and/or lower predialysis systolic BP were associated with higher rates of vascular access thrombosis. Our primary outcome measure was episodes of vascular access thrombosis occurring within a given 6-month period during HEMO study follow-up. There were 2005 total episodes of vascular access thrombosis during a median 3.1 years of follow-up. The relative rate of thrombosis of native arteriovenous fistulas for the highest quartile of intradialytic hypotension was approximately twice that of the lowest quartile, independent of predialysis systolic BP and other covariates. There was no significant association of intradialytic hypotension with prosthetic arteriovenous graft thrombosis after multivariable adjustment. Higher predialysis systolic BP was associated with a lower rate of fistula and graft thrombosis, independent of intradialytic hypotension and other covariates. In conclusion, more frequent episodes of intradialytic hypotension and lower predialysis systolic BP associate with increased rates of vascular access thrombosis. These results underscore the importance of including vascular access patency in future studies of BP management in hemodialysis.

Genetic Polymorphisms of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 Alpha and Cardiovascular Disease in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Hemodialysis patients are prone to ischemic events potentially aggravated by hypoxia. The key player in adaptation to hypoxia is hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α). Therefore, we investigated the association of HIF-1α polymorphisms with ischemia/hypoxia-related events in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Patients on maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled from 4 training hospitals in Korea. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of HIF-1α were genotyped. The association of these SNP with hypoxia-related clinical outcomes (ischemic diseases and anemia) and cancer was analyzed. Results: A total of 376 patients participated in the study. No significant difference in genotype distribution was found between subjects with and without the hypoxia-related events. Three sets of linkage disequilibrium blocks were made for haplotype analyses (rs2783778 and rs7148720 in 5′ upstream region; rs7143164 and rs10873142; rs2301113, rs11549465 and rs2057482). Of these, the CT haplotype in the first set was associated with both acute myocardial infarction and frequent intradialytic hypotension (acute myocardial infarction: adjusted odds ratio = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03–0.69; frequent intradialytic hypotension: adjusted odds ratio = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.12–0.72). Conclusion: Genetic polymorphisms of HIF-1α were associated with acute myocardial infarction and intradialytic hypotension in hemodialysis patients.

Effects of an increase in time vs. frequency on cardiovascular parameters in chronic hemodialysis patients

Cardiovascular mortality is still high and many risk factors are inadequately controlled in patients on conventional chronic hemodialysis. Recent studies on intensified treatment schedules by either increasing length or frequency of dialysis sessions have shown promising results with better control of blood pressure, reduction of left ventricular hypertrophy and easier control of calcium/phosphate metabolism. The present observational study compared the effect of different forms of "intensified dialysis treatment" i.e. either long nightly intermittent (LNHD, 3 x 7.5 - 8 h) or short daily dialysis sessions (DHD, 6 x 2.5 - 3 h) on cardiovascular parameters, phosphate and anemia control in comparison to standard treatment schedules (SHD, 3 x 4 - 5 h). All patients stable on hemodialysis between 18 and 80 years of age and with either uncontrolled hypertension and/or left ventricular hypertrophy and/or frequent intradialytic hypotension, were asked to participate in intensified dialysis therapy by either LNHD or DHD. Patients not willing to change their dialysis regime were asked to participate as control group (SHD). Primary end point was 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, secondary end points were predialysis blood pressure, left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and fractional shortening (FS), control of calcium, phosphate and anemia. Patients were followed up for 1 year. 17 patients opted for LNHD, 8 for DHD, 19 patients served as control group. After 1 year of treatment 24-h blood pressure was unchanged in all groups. Predialysis systolic blood pressure decreased in LNHD and DHD, but increased in SHD. Mean LVMI decreased in all treatment groups (DHD -20.1 +/- 24.0%, SHD -13.6 +/- 33.4%, LNHD -6.1 +/- 32.2%). The mean number of antihypertensive tablets/day was reduced in DHD by 3.3 tablet units, in LNHD by 1.2 tablet units, but increased in SHD patients. FS improved in patients on LNHD and DHD, but decreased in patients on SHD. Regression of LVMI was independent of dry weight which was unchanged in LNHD and SHD but increased in DHD. In contrast to SHD, phosphate control and Ca x P product improved in DHD and LNHD with less phosphate binding tablets. Intact PTH did not change in SHD, but decreased in DHD and LNHD. Hemoglobin increased in groups on intensified treatments, but fell in SHD. EPO resistance index fell in LNHD, but increased in DHD and SHD. While reduction in 24-h blood pressure was not achieved by intensified dialysis, both schedules showed favourable effects on LVMI and FS with less antihypertensive medication. This was independent of reduction in dry weight. These effects were more pronounced in DHD patients. In contrast, in SHD patients, stable 24-h blood pressure and reduction in LVMI were achieved on the expense of an increasing amount of antihypertensive medication and with worsening of FS.

Adenosine A1 receptor antagonist improves intradialytic hypotension

Intradialytic hypotension is a most frequent complication of hemodialysis and may contribute to cardiovascular events and high mortality. There is a hypothesis that an increase in adenosine generation during hemodialysis may cause vasodilation and a decrease in cardiac output, which results in systemic hypotension. We studied whether this can be blocked by an adenosine A1 receptor antagonist. We investigated the effects of an A1 antagonist, FK352, injection in 30 chronic hemodialysis patients with frequent intradialytic hypotension by a prospective, multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled study for 4 weeks after 4 weeks of the observation period. Intradialytic hypotension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) less than 110 mmHg, with SBP drop of more than 30 mmHg from the predialysis level. The efficacy of FK352 was primarily assessed by the reduction rate of dialysis hypotension between the FK352 and placebo groups. Incidence of emergency treatments caused by hypotension was evaluated. FK352 (50 mg, intravenous) or an equivalent placebo was injected into the dialysis circuit 1 h after starting dialysis. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored every 30 min during dialysis. FK352 significantly improved intradialytic hypotension (P=0.046), in that the reduction rates of intradialytic hypotension in the FK352 and placebo groups were -12.8% (Q1 (first quantile), Q3 (third quantile): -27.5, -1.7), and +8.3% (Q1, Q3: -16.6, +16.7), respectively. The frequency of discontinuation of dialysis was significantly reduced by FK352. No apparent side effects were observed from treatment with FK352. In conclusion, the A1 antagonist FK352 may offer a novel therapeutic option for chronic dialysis patients associated with intradialytic hypotension.

CHOICE OF RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC END STAGE RENAL DISEASE

Diabetic nephropathy is becoming the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Although the prognosis of patients with diabetes and ESRD receiving Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) has improved greatly, the presence of pre-existing cardiovascular disease means that the survival and medical rehabilitation of diabetics continue to be inferior to that of non-diabetics. RRT should be initiated earlier in patients with diabetes than in non-diabetics and the main choices of modalities are: 1) haemodialysis (HD), 2) Peritoneal dialysis (PD), 3) Kidney transplantation alone (KTA) or 4) simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation (SPKT). The most common modality of RRT utilised in the diabetic patient remains HD but this method is associated with many clinical problems, in particular the managment of vascular access and frequent intradialytic hypotension. There is accumulating evidence demonstrating that both survival and medical rehabilitation of patients with diabetes and ESRD is superior after renal transplantation with or without pancreas transplantation.

Treatment of hypertension in renal failure patients: when do we overtreat? When do we undertreat?

Despite the commonplace nature of hypertension in chronic dialysis patients, many issues remain unresolved. According to current JNC/V (see text) recommendation, a systolic blood pressure of < 120 mm Hg is optimal, 120-129 mm Hg is normal, and one of 130-139 mm Hg is high-normal. The majority of dialysis patients receiving treatment in the United States is probably not maintained in the optimal blood pressure range. However, if the J curve hypothesis has credence, many of our dialysis patients may be susceptible to overtreatment, especially of their diastolic blood pressure. In patients with ischemic cardiovascular disease, several studies show a decrease in survival with diastolic blood pressures < 85 mm Hg. This J curve phenomenon is seen predominantly in patients with ischemic heart disease. Since many, and possibly most, of the currently treated end-stage renal disease patients in the United States have existing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease when they start chronic dialysis therapy, lowering of the diastolic blood pressure below a J threshold may be dangerous. This problem may be especially prevalent in diabetics with diabetic cardiomyopathy. Diabetics and other end-stage renal disease patients may be started on hemodialysis with glomerular filtration rates in the 10- to 15-cm2/min range. Patients with high residual renal function may have small intradialytic weight gains and frequent intradialytic hypotension. This 'overtreatment' may lead to postdialysis arrhythmias and sudden death in chronic dialysis patients. As in the nonrenal failure population, end-stage renal disease patients with left ventricular hypertrophy have a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of death from cardiovascular diseases, and all cause mortality. In contrast to nonrenal failure patients, normotensive ESRD patients may show an increase of left ventricular mass over time. Although left ventricular hypertrophy can be reversed with good blood pressure control, patients are often undertreated based on analysis of dialysis clinic blood pressures. Even if clinic systolic blood pressure levels are optimal, chronic dialysis patients may still have unacceptably high ambulatory blood pressure levels due to a rise in nocturnal blood pressure with sleep.

Hemodiafiltration in hypotension-prone elderly uremic patients

Hemodialfiltration (HDF) has shown good efficiency and cardiovascular stability in stable young hemodialysis patients. The aim of this work was to verify whether this is also valid for a population above the age of 65 on bicarbonate dialysis (BD) with frequent intradialytic hypotension episodes and dialysis intolerance.