Hypertension In Hemodialysis Patients Research Articles

P1462IMPACT OF HEART RATE AND BETA-BLOCKER USE ON THE LONG-TERM SURVIVAL OF CHRONIC HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Increase in resting heart rate might influence mortalities of dialysis patients, and the use of β-blocker might improve their survival probability. However, the influence of heart rate and benefits of β-blocker on their survival are difficult to quantify because of following obstacles: prone to measurement errors; inherent association of heart rate with blood pressures, comorbidities, and medication use; and a necessity of repeated measurements of vital signs and medication use. Therefore, at the design process of our previous randomized control trial on the Olmesartan Clinical Trial in Okinawan patients under OKIDS (OCTOPUS), we included the repeated measures design to quantify the influence of vital sign values on the survival retrospectively. We combined the repeated measurement data and additional the long-term prognosis information of the participants obtained after the OCTOPUS with aim of investigating the influence of time varying covariates: heart rates, blood pressures, and β-blocker use, on the long-term survival of hemodialysis patients. Method We investigated 461 adult OCTOPUS participants who received chronic hemodialysis and antihypertensive medications in Okinawa. The OCTOPUS trial, which was conducted between June 2006 and June 2011, did not detect the survival benefit of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)NDT 2013, but the study and the additional follow-up of participants’ prognosis provided us with information to investigate influence of predictors on long-term survival in the population. Throughout the OCTOPUS trial, study participants were measured pre-dialysis blood pressures, pre-dialysis resting heart rates, and their medication use for one week at their dialysis centers every six months after their participations. Following the trial, we collected the prognosis information of all participants until July 31st, 2018. Finally, we merged the multiple-measured data during the OCTOPUS with the prognosis data. Mean values of three measurements of blood pressures and heart rates and β-blocker use were introduced to the Cox-regression model as time-varying covariates with essential non-time varying covariates, which include age, gender, and diabetes. Results In this retrospective cohort study, 221 (47.9%) out of 461 participants deceased, and the median follow-up length was 10.21 years. Initial mean resting heart rate and pre-dialysis mean blood pressure were 78(±10) per minute and 159.5(±14) mmHg, respectively. 10% of participants were prescribed β-blocker initially. The resting heart rate of all participants significantly decreased by 1.75 and 2.45 per minutes after two and four years respectively. β-blocker could significantly decrease the mean heart rate by 3.54 and 2.90 per minutes after two and four years. With our Cox-regression with the time varying covariates, increase of heart rate was significantly associated with higher mortality (P=0.002), but the use of β-blocker was not associated with the mortality. (P=0.691) Additionally, we could not detect the interaction of heart rate and β-blocker use on the mortality. (P= 0.796) Although lower blood pressure was significantly associated with higher mortality in our initial Cox-regression analysis, an introduction of interaction term of heart rate and blood pressure remove the significance of influence of blood pressure on the survival. Conclusion In hypertensive chronic hemodialysis patients, higher heart rate is associated with higher mortality. However, use of beta-blocker was not associated with improvement of their mortality.

Central Venous Obstruction-Induced Intracranial Hypertension in Hemodialysis Patients: An Underrecognized Cause of Elevated Intracranial Pressure.

Central venous obstruction (stenosis or occlusion) is common in patients with renal failure on hemodialysis and may be associated with intracranial hypertension (IH). Causes include vein injury from an endoluminal device, lumen obstruction from a device or thrombus, external vein compression, and high venous flow leading to vein intimal hyperplasia. A combination of high venous flow and central venous obstruction can lead to intracranial venous hypertension, impaired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) resorption, and subsequent IH. We conducted a search of the English literature using the Ovid MEDLINE Database and PubMed, with a focus on reports involving IH and central venous obstruction in the setting of hemodialysis. We reviewed CSF flow dynamics, the risk factors and causes of central venous obstruction, and the evaluation, management, and outcomes of central venous obstruction-induced IH. Twenty-four cases of IH related to central venous obstruction in hemodialysis patients were identified. Twenty patients had headaches (83.3%) and 9 had visual symptoms (37.5%). The brachiocephalic vein was the most common site of stenosis or occlusion (20/24, 83.3%). Twenty-one patients (87.5%) had resolution of IH with treatment. Two patients died from complications of IH (8.3%). Central venous obstruction-induced IH is likely underrecognized by clinicians and mimics idiopathic IH. Hemodialysis patients with IH should be screened with computed tomography venography of the chest. Optimal treatment is with vascular intervention or a CSF diversion procedure and can help prevent vision loss from papilledema or nervous system damage. Medical management may be appropriate in mild cases or as a bridge to definitive interventional treatment. Increased awareness among clinicians has potential to facilitate the timely diagnosis of this treatable condition with potential for good neurologic and visual outcomes.

The role of parathyroid hormone and cardiac output in pulmonary hypertension in hemodialysis patients

Introduction: High prevalence of pulmonary hypertension has been reported in patients with chronic renal failure, especially those undergoing hemodialysis. Objectives: Considering the high prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in hemodialysis patients and uncertainty about the causes, the present study planned to investigate the role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and cardiac ejection fraction (EF %) in development of pulmonary hypertension. Patients and Methods: By simple census sampling, all patients on hemodialysis in the hemodialysis center of Birjand University of Medical Sciences were enrolled. After obtaining written consent, the EF% and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) were determined using echocardiography (MEDISON V10 model, Korea). The cut-point of less than 35 mm Hg was considered for normal sPAP. The blood sample was prepared to assay PTH using COBAS411 and ROCH kit. Independent t test or Man-Whitney test were used to compare means. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: A totsl of 114 patients were enrolled in the study. Finally 89 patients, including 49 (55.1%) male and 40 (44.9%) female completed the study. The mean age and mean sPAP of the studied patients were 55.14 ± 15.68 years and 30.65 ± 12.10 mm Hg respectively. Among the studied patients, normal and high sPAP were reported in 60 (67.4%) and 29 (32.6%) cases respectively. Cardiac EF% in patients with normal and high sPAP was 59.08 ± 2.83 versus 56.37 ± 4.79 respectively (P = 0.01). PTH was determined 275.12 ± 218.44 versus 395.67 ± 332.05(pg/mL) (P = 0.03), in patients with normal and high sPAP respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in the studied patients was 32.6%. Patients in the pulmonary hypertension group had higher levels of PTH and lower cardiac EF%.

Arterial Hypertension in Hemodialysis Patients

It is essential to understand the mechanism, to evaluate and determine the good management of patients undergoing Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) such as hemodialysis...

Lung Ultrasound–Guided Dry Weight Assessment and Echocardiographic Measures in Hypertensive Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and dysfunction are associated with adverse outcomes in hemodialysis patients. Hypertension and hypervolemia play important roles in these cardiac abnormalities. We report on the prespecified secondary outcome, echocardiographic indexes of LV function, from a previously reported study of the effect of lung ultrasound (US)-guided dry weight reduction on systolic blood pressure. Single-blind randomized trial. 71 clinically euvolemic hypertensive hemodialysis patients in Greece and Slovenia. The active intervention group's (n=35) volume removal was guided by the total number of lung US B-lines observed every week before a midweek dialysis session. The usual-care group (n=36) was treated using standard-of-care processes that did not include acquisition of US data. 2-dimensional and tissue Doppler echocardiographic indexes at baseline and study end (8 weeks) that evaluated left and right heart chamber sizes, as well as systolic and diastolic function. Overall, 19 (54%) patients in the activeintervention and 5 (14%) in the usual-care group hadultrafiltration intensification (P<0.001) during follow-up; changes in US B-lines (-5.3±12.5 vs+2.2±7.6; P<0.001) and dry weight (-0.71±1.39 vs+0.51±0.98kg; P<0.001) significantly differed between the active and usual-care groups. Inferior vena cava diameter decreased in the active compared with theusual-care group (-0.43±4.00 vs 0.71±4.82cm; P=0.03) at study end. Left (LA) and right (RA) atrial dimensions decreased moreinthe activegroup (LA surface, -1.09±4.61vs 0.93±3.06cm2; P=0.03; RA surface-1.56±6.17 vs 0.47±2.31; P=0.02). LA volume index nominally decreased more in the active group (-2.43±13.14 vs 2.95±9.42mL/m2), though this was of borderline statistical significance (P=0.05). Reductions in LVend-diastolic diameter and volume were marginally greater in the active group. The change in LV fillingpressures was significantly different in theactive compared with the usual-care group(earlytransmitral diastolic velocities ratio [E/e'],-0.38±3.14 vs 1.36±3.54; P=0.03; Ewavedeceleration time, 35.43±85.25 vs-18.44±50.69; P=0.002]. Systolic function indexes were unchanged in both groups. In multivariable analysis, US B-line reduction was associated with a reduction in the E/e' LV ratio (OR, 4.542; 95% CI, 1.266-16.292; P=0.02). Exploratory study; small sample size. A US-guided strategy for dry weight reduction is associated with decreased cardiac chamber dimensions and LV filling pressure, but no difference in systolic performance compared with usual care in hypertensive hemodialysis patients. European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with study number NCT03058874.

Evaluation of pulmonary hypertension and its relationship with serum parathyroid hormone levels in hemodialysis patients

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive and severe disease associated with left or right ventricular dysfunction and is common in patients under hemodialysis. One of the factors in its development is parathormone but this relationship is unclear. Objectives: In this study, the difference between serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in hemodialysis patients with and without pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) was investigated. Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among hemodialysis patients referred to a tertiary hospital in Iran. Characteristics of coronary artery and pulmonary arteries were recorded by echocardiography. The laboratory data were measured and recorded. Statistical analysis was performed at 95% confidence level and with a significance level of less than 5%. Results: Of 65 enrolled patients, 41 had normal pulmonary artery pressure, and 24 had pulmonary hypertension. The mean age in patients with and without pulmonary hypertension was significantly different (P=0.010). There was no significant difference in serum PTH levels between patients with and without pulmonary hypertension (P=0.496). The mean serum levels of calcium, albumin, triglyceride, and cholesterol in two groups of patients with and without pulmonary hypertension was not significantly different (P=0.906). Conclusion: In our study, no significant correlation between pulmonary hypertension and PTH was detected. The prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension in our study was relatively high, suggesting the need to pay attention to pulmonary hypertension in hemodialysis patients

4308Lung ultrasound guided dry-weight probing reduces left and right atrial dimensions and left ventricular filling pressures in hemodialysis patients with hypertension

Abstract Introduction and purpose Left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction is tightly associated with adverse outcome in hemodialysis. Hypertension and increased preload due to hypervolemia are major factors for these cardiac anomalies in hemodialysis. This study examined the effect of lung-ultrasound-guided dry-weight reduction on echocardiographic indices of left and right cardiac size, systolic and diastolic function in hypertensive hemodialysis patients. Methods This pilot, single-blind trial randomised 71 clinically euvolemic hypertensive hemodialysis patients in an active group (n=35), following a strategy for dry-weight reduction guided by the total number of US-B lines (US-B lines score) prior to a mid-week dialysis session, and a control group (n=36), following standard-of-care treatment. Among others, patients underwent two-dimensional and tissue-Doppler echocardiographic (TDI) at baseline and after 8-weeks. Results Overall, 19 (54.3%) patients in the active and 5 (13.9%) in the control group had UF intensification (p&lt;0.001) during follow-up (US-B lines 5.3±12.5 vs +2.2±7.6, p&lt;0.001, dry-weight: −0.71±1.39 vs +0.51±0.98 kg, p&lt;0.001). Inferior vena cava diameter was reduced to a greater extend in the active compared to control group (−0.43±4.00 vs 0.71±4.82, p=0.033) at study-end. Reductions in LA and RA sizing parameters were greater in the active group (LA Surface: −1.09±4.61 vs 0.93±3.06 cm2, p=0.034; RA surface: −1.56±6.17 vs 0.47±2.31, p=0.024; LAVi: −2.43±13.14 vs 2.95±9.42 ml/m2, p=0.052). Reductions in LV end-diastolic diameter and volume were marginally greater in the active group. LV filling pressures significantly decreased in the active compared to the control group (E/e' LV: −0.38±3.14 vs 1.36±3.54, p=0.034; DT: 35.43±85.25 vs −18.44±50.69, p=0.002). Systolic function indices were unchanged in both groups. In multivariate analysis, US-B lines reduction was a powerful predictor (OR: 4.542, 95% CI: 1.266–16.292, p=0.020) of E/e' LV ratio decrease, among various factors examined. Conclusions A lung-ultrasound-guided strategy for dry-weight reduction can effectively reduce cardiac chambers dimensions and LV filling pressures without changing systolic performance during an 8-week follow-up in hypertensive hemodialysis patients.

P2640The effect of dry-weight reduction guided by lung ultrasound on ambulatory aortic blood pressure and arterial stiffness parameters in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Introduction and purpose Arterial stiffness and aortic blood pressure (BP) augmentation are significantly increased in hemodialysis patients. Recent studies suggest that the prognostic significance of ambulatory recordings of arterial stiffness is high in hemodialysis. This study examines for the first time the effect of dry weight reduction with a standardized lung-ultrasound-guided strategy on ambulatory aortic BP and arterial stiffness parameters in hypertensive hemodialysis patients. Methods A total 71 hemodialysis patients with hypertension (mean home BP ≥135/85 mmHg), that were clinically euvolemic, were included in this single-blind randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio in the active group (n=35), following a strategy for dry-weight reduction guided by the total number of US-B lines (US-B lines score) prior to a mid-week dialysis session and the control group (n=), following standard-of-care treatment. All patients underwent 48-hour ABPM with the Mobil-O-Graph monitor (IEM, Stolberg, Germany) and PWV measurement in office with SphygmoCor (ArtCor, Sydney, Australia) at baseline and after 8-weeks. Results Overall, the US-B lines change during follow-up were −5.3±12.5 in active versus +2.2±7.6 in control group (p&lt;0.001), which corresponded to dry-weight changes of −0.71±1.39 versus +0.51±0.98 kg (p&lt;0.001). The change in 48-hour cSBP was significantly greater in the active group (−6.30±8.90 vs −0.50±12.46, p=0.027); the relevant cDBP fall was marginally greater (−3.85±6.61 vs −0.63±8.36, p=0.077) in the active group. 48-hour cPP (41.51±9.63 vs 39.06±9.61 mmHg, p=0.004) and 48-hour PWV (9.30±2.00 vs 9.08±2.04 m/sec, p=0.032) were significantly reduced from baseline to study-end in the active group but remained unchanged in controls. In contrast, 48-hour AIx and AIx(75) did not change between baseline and study-end in both groups; changes in AIx(75) were similar in the two groups (−0.97±3.51 vs −0.36±4.25, p=0.517). PWV measured in office was decreased from baseline to study-end in the active (10.07±2.66 vs 9.79±2.81, p=0.038) but not in the control group. Conclusions A lung-ultrasound-guided strategy for dry-weight reduction reduces ambulatory aortic BP and ambulatory or office PWV, but not ambulatory AIx(75). These results suggest that dry-weight reduction can primarily reduce aortic BP levels and large arteries stiffness but not wave reflections from the periphery.

The relationship of volume overload and its control to hypertension in hemodialysis patients.

Hypertension is highly prevalent and associated with poor clinical outcomes among individuals receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Volume overload is a key modifiable contributor to hypertension and cardiovascular disease in the HD population. Despite their importance, assessment and treatment of volume overload and hypertension remain major clinical challenges and have substantial implications for both clinical outcomes and patient experiences of care. This review will summarize current data on the diagnosis, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical consequences of hypertension and volume overload in HD patients. We will also identify priorities for future research studies.

A short term evaluation of effect on serum urea, creatinine and potassium levels with use of angiotensin II receptor blockers (olmesartan or telmisartan) in stage 1 hypertensive patients

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are being used as first line agents for the treatment of hypertension in haemodialysis patients as well as in the general population. Serious hyperkalemia is common in patients with end-stage renal disease, and is observed in about 10% of haemodialysis patients. Although many research have been done so far to compare the antihypertensive efficacy of ARBs, but such studies to evaluate the effect on serum urea, creatinine and potassium levels are not so common in North India region.Methods: In this open label, prospective, randomized study, we evaluated the effect on serum urea, creatinine and potassium levels with use of ARB’s (olmesartan or telmisartan) in stage 1 hypertensive patients (JNCVII). 60 patients were randomized in to two groups. The odd numbers will be allotted olmesartan 20 mg (group A) and even numbers to telmisartan 40 mg (group B). Impacts on serum urea, creatinine and potassium levels were evaluated after 12 weeks.Results: Our results indicates that there was no statistically significant alterations in mean serum creatinine, blood urea and in mean serum potassium levels compared to baseline within the two groups as well as when mean of both groups were compared, olmesartan showed a better reduction in blood pressure as compared to telmisartan.Conclusions: Olmesartan showed a better reduction in blood pressure with similar effects in biochemical parameters as telmisartan.

Intervention Effect of Sequential Blood Purification on Early Morning Hypertension in Hemodialysis Patients

Objective: To investigate the effect of sequential blood purification on early morning hypertension in hemodialysis patients. Methods: A total of 76 hemodialysis patients who were admitted in the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Hospital from June 2017 to August 2019 were selected and recruited in the present study. These patients were randomly divided into two groups, namely the control group and observation group. Each group consisted of 38 patients. The patients in the control group were treated with hemodialysis, while the patients in the observation group were treated with sequential blood purification. Early morning blood pressure was compared between the control group and observation group after 12 weeks of treatment. Results: There was no significant difference in blood pressure between the two groups of patients before treatment (P &gt; 0.05), whereas the blood pressure in the observation group was lower than that in the control group after the treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The use of sequential blood purification treatment for hemodialysis patients can significantly reduce the blood pressure in the morning and is worthy of clinical use.

Nondipping heart rate and associated factors in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Nondipping heart rate (NHR) is a condition reported to be associated with cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality recently. We aimed to search whether there is difference among hypertensive patients with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD) in terms of NHR pattern and the factors associated with NHR in patients with CKD. The study included 133 hypertensive patients with normal kidney functions, 97 hypertensive patients with predialysis CKD, and 31 hypertensive hemodialysis patients. Heart rate, blood pressure and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitorization. NHR was defined as a decrease of less than 10% at night mean heart rate when compared with daytime values. NHR pattern was established as 26.3% in non-CKD hypertensive group, 43.3% in predialysis group and 77.4% in dialysis group. Among patients with CKD, when NHR group was compared with dipper heart rate group, it was seen that they were at older age, there were higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus and more female sex, and while the value of urea, creatinine, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone, and PWV were significantly higher, the value of hemoglobin, albumin and calcium were significantly lower. By multivariate analysis, hemoglobin [odds ratio (OR) 0.661; 95% CI 0.541-0.806; p < 0.001] and PWV (OR 1.433; 95% CI 1.107-1.853; p = 0.006) were established as independent determinants of NHR pattern. NHR pattern is significantly more frequently seen in hypertensive CKD patients than in hypertensive patients with non-CKD. Anemia and increased arterial stiffness are seen independently associated with NHR in CKD patients.

Systolic and diastolic hypertension among patients on hemodialysis: Musings on volume overload, arterial stiffness, and erythropoietin.

Hypertension among patients on hemodialysis is predominantly systolic (either isolated or combined with diastolic hypertension), whereas the scenario of isolated diastolic hypertension is rare and more common in younger patients. Uncontrolled hypertension that persists despite aggressive antihypertensive drug therapy is a reflection of the volume overload that is a prominent mediator of systolic and diastolic BP elevation. Clinical-trial evidence supports the notion that dry-weight probing is an effective strategy to improve BP control, even when overt clinical signs and symptoms of volume overload are not present. Accelerated arterial stiffness influences the patterns and rhythms of interdialytic ambulatory BP and is a major determinant of isolated systolic hypertension in hemodialysis. Posthoc analyses of the Hypertension in Hemodialysis patients treated with Atenolol or Lisinopril (HDPAL) trial, however, suggest that arterial stiffness does not make hypertension more resistant to therapy and is unable to predict the treatment-induced improvement in left ventricular hypertrophy. A combined strategy of sodium restriction, dry-weight adjustment, and antihypertensive medication use was effective in improving ambulatory BP control regardless of the severity of underlying arteriosclerosis in HDPAL. Other nonvolume-dependent mechanisms, such as erythropoietin use, appear to be also important contributors and should be taken into consideration, particularly in younger hemodialysis patients with diastolic hypertension. In this article, we explore the role of volume overload, arterial stiffness, and erythropoietin use as causes of systolic vs diastolic hypertension in patients on hemodialysis. We conclude with clinical practice recommendations and with a call for a "volume-first" approach when managing hemodialysis hypertension.

Prevalence and control of hypertension in hemodialysis patients using ambulatory blood pressure in the area of Blida (Algeria)

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and control of hypertension using ABPM in a large hemodialysis population according to the latest definitions. A total of 178 hemodialysis patients underwent 24 hour ABPM during a regular hemodialysis session and pre-hemodialysis interval (PHD). HT was defined as pre-hemodialysis BP > = 140/90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive (ATH) drugs and ambulatory BP > = 130/80 mmHg or use of ATH drugs. The control phenotypes of hypertension were defined as follows: – concordant control (PHD BP < 140/90 mmHg and ABPM < 130/80 mmHg); – concomitant lack of control (PHD BP > = 140/90 mmHg and ABPM > = 130/80 mmHg); – “white coat” phenomenon (PHD BP > = 140/90 mmHg and ABPM < 130/80 mmHg); – masked hypertension (PHD BP < 140/90 mmHg and ABPM > = 130/80 mmHg). Mean BP values were: 141.7 ± 19 and 79.8 ± 11 mmHg. There was higher prevalence of uncontrolled systolic pressure and diastolic pressure rate in men ( P < 0.001). In PHD, the prevalence of HT was 93.1%. According to the ABPM and during the haemodialysis period, the prevalence was 84.6%. The proportion of hypertensive patients receiving treatment was 80.4%. With the use of BP in PHD and ABPM, 11.1% of hypertensive patients had concomitant control of BP, 63.2% of patients had no control of BP, 15.5% had a white coat phenomenon and 10.2% had masked HT. In multivariate analysis, only the use of antihypertensive drugs was independently associated with an increased likelihood of no control. A significant relationship between uncontrolled BP and diabetic nephropathy was found ( P = 0.01). Patients with uncontrolled BP most often used a calcium antagonist alone (87% vs. 48%). There was a significant difference in the presence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease between studied groups ( P < 0.01). The prevalence of hypertension in hemodialysis patients is extremely high. BP control rates differ between ABPM and office BP. Poor BP control in men may result from lower compliance. Combined antihypertensive therapy may increase adherence to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Relationship between hypertension with quality of life of hemodialysis patients

This study aimed to examine the association between hypertension, hemoglobin level, and nutrition status with quality of life of hemodialysis patients in Indonesia. This study designed was an analytic correlational study of 119 Indonesian hemodialysis patients. The average age was 54.95 years and mean length of hemodialysis of 32.67 months. The mean score for QoL was 62.51, and the mean score of the hemoglobin level was 7.58g/dl. The results revealed a significant relationship between hypertension and quality of life (p=0.005). There was no a significant relationship between quality of life and hemoglobin level (p=0.336) and nutrition status (p=0.099). Based on the findings of this study, good controlling of hypertension in hemodialysis patients is important to improve the quality of life.

Hypertension control among euvolemic hypertensive hemodialysis patients in Malaysia: a prospective follow-up study

ObjectivesExisting literature does not provide enough information on evaluation of factors associated with pre-dialysis controlled hypertension among euvolemic hemodialysis (HD) patients. We conducted a study to evaluate the rate and factors influencing pre-dialysis controlled hypertension among euvolemic HD patients.DesignA multicenter prospective follow-up study.SettingTertiary care teaching hospital and its associated private dialysis centers.ParticipantsThis study included 145 euvolemic eligible hypertensive patients. Various sociodemographic, clinical factors and drugs were investigated and analyzed by using appropriate statistical methods to determine the factors influencing hypertension control among the study participants.ResultsOn baseline visit, the mean pre-dialysis systolic and diastolic BP (mmHg) of study participants was 161.2 ± 24. and 79.21 ± 11.8 retrospectively, and 30 (20.6%) patients were on pre-dialysis goal BP. At the end of the 6-months follow-up, the mean pre-dialysis systolic BP and diastolic BP (mmHg) of the patients was 154.6 ± 18.3 and 79.2 ± 11.8 respectively, and 42 (28.9%) were on pre-dialysis goal BP. In multivariate analysis, the use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) was the only variable which had statistically significant association with pre-dialysis controlled hypertension at baseline (OR = 7.530, p-value = 0.001) and final (OR = 8.988, p-value < 0.001) visits.ConclusionsIn present study, the positive association observed between CCBs and controlled hypertension suggests that CCBs are effective antihypertensive drugs in the management of hypertension among euvolemic HD patients.Strengths and limitations of this studyThis study involved a group of patients from tertiary-level teaching hospital and its associated private dialysis centers of Malaysia.To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to assess the factors influencing pre-dialysis controlled hypertension in a cohort of 145 euvolemic HD patients in a Malaysian setting.For determining the factors influencing hypertenion control multivariate analysis was conducted.Being a prospective follow-up study, the findings of the present study need to be interpreted with caution since it is limited to only 6 months follow up.Nevertheless, a multicenter study with a large sample size and longer follow up time is needed to confirm the findings of the current study.

Prevalence and predictors of depression among hemodialysis patients: a prospective follow-up study

BackgroundEven though depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, it is under-recognized in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Existing literature does not provide enough information on evaluation of predictors of depression among HD patients. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of depression among HD patients.MethodsA multicenter prospective follow-up study. All eligible confirmed hypertensive HD patients who were consecutively enrolled for treatment at the study sites were included in the current study. HADS questionnaire was used to assess the depression level among study participants. Patients with physical and/or cognitive limitations that prevent them from being able to answer questions were excluded.ResultsTwo hundred twenty patients were judged eligible and completed questionnaire at the baseline visit. Subsequently, 216 and 213 patients completed questionnaire on second and final follow up respectively. The prevalence of depression among patients at baseline, 2nd visit and final visit was 71.3, 78.2 and 84.9% respectively. The results of regression analysis showed that treatment given to patients at non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) running HD centers (OR = 0.347, p-value = 0.039) had statistically significant association with prevalence of depression at final visit.ConclusionsDepression was prevalent in the current study participants. Negative association observed between depression and hemodialysis therapy at NGO’s running centers signifies patients’ satisfaction and better depression management practices at these centers.

Beta-blockers use from the general to the hemodialysis population

Beta-blockers have numerous indications in the general population and are strongly recommended in heart failure, post-myocardial infarction and arrhythmias. In hemodialysis patients, their use is based on weak evidence because of the lack of a sufficient number of randomized clinical trials. The strongest evidence is based on two trials. The first showed better survival with carvedilol in hemodialysis patients with four sessions per week and systolic heart failure. The second found reduced cardiovascular morbidity with atenolol compared to lisinopril in mostly black hypertensive hemodialysis patients. No clinical trials exist regarding myocardial infarction. Large retrospective studies have assessed the benefits of beta-blockers in hemodialysis. A large cohort of hemodialysis patients with new-onset heart failure showed better survival when treated with carvedilol, bisoprolol or metoprolol. Another recent one of 20,064 patients found out that metoprolol compared to carvedilol was associated with less all-cause mortality. There is still uncertainty also regarding the impact of dialysability of beta-blockers on patient's survival. On top of that, many observations suggested that beta-blockers were associated with a reduced rate of sudden cardiac death in hemodialysis patients but recent data show a link between bradycardia and sudden cardiac death questioning the benefit of beta-blockade in this population. Finally, what we know for sure so far is that beta-blockers should be avoided in patients with intradialytic hypotension associated with bradycardia.

Prevalence of Hypertension in Renal Diseases in Iran: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background:Hypertension is a risk factor for renal disease. Therefore, this study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of hypertension in renal patients in Iran through meta-analysis.Methods:The search was carried out using authentic Persian and English keywords in national and international databases including IranMedex, SID, Magiran, IranDoc, Medlib, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, and Google Scholar search engine without any time limitation until 2017. Heterogeneity of studies was assessed using the I2 index. Data were analyzed using STATA ver 11.Results:In 35 reviewed studies with a sample of 39,621 subjects, the prevalence of hypertension in renal patients was 35% (95% CI: 29%–41%) (25% in women and 18% in men). The prevalence of systolic hypertension in renal patients was 5%, diastolic hypertension 26%, and diabetes 23%. The prevalence of hypertension in hemodialysis patients was 34%, 27% in peritoneal dialysis, 43% in kidney transplantation, and 26% in chronic renal failure. In addition, meta-regression showed that the prevalence of hypertension in renal patients did not significantly decrease during the years 1988–2017.Conclusions:More than a third of kidney patients in Iran suffer from high blood pressure. The diastolic blood pressure of these patients is about five times higher than their systolic blood pressure. Moreover, the age group under 30 is a high-risk group. The prevalence of hypertension in women with kidney disease is higher than in men. In addition, patients who have kidney transplants are more likely to have high blood pressure than other kidney patients.

Prevalence and control of hypertension by 48-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in haemodialysis patients: a study by the European Cardiovascular and Renal Medicine (EURECA-m) working group of the ERA-EDTA.

Population-specific consensus documents recommend that the diagnosis of hypertension in haemodialysis patients be based on 48-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring. However, until now there is just one study in the USA on the prevalence of hypertension in haemodialysis patients by 44-h recordings. Since there is a knowledge gap on the problem in European countries, we reassessed the problem in the European Cardiovascular and Renal Medicine working group Registry of the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association. A total of 396 haemodialysis patients underwent 48-h ABP monitoring during a regular haemodialysis session and the subsequent interdialytic interval. Hypertension was defined as (i) pre-haemodialysis blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive agents and (ii) ABP ≥130/80 mmHg or use of antihypertensive agents. The prevalence of hypertension by 48-h ABP monitoring was very high (84.3%) and close to that by pre-haemodialysis BP (89.4%) but the agreement of the two techniques was not of the same magnitude (κ statistics = 0.648; P <0.001). In all, 290 participants were receiving antihypertensive treatment. In all, 9.1% of haemodialysis patients were categorized as normotensives, 12.6% had controlled hypertension confirmed by the two BP techniques, while 46.0% had uncontrolled hypertension with both techniques. The prevalence of white coat hypertension was 18.2% and that of masked hypertension 14.1%. Of note, hypertension was confined only to night-time in 22.2% of patients while just 1% of patients had only daytime hypertension. Pre-dialysis BP ≥140/90 mmHg had 76% sensitivity and 54% specificity for the diagnosis of BP ≥130/80 mmHg by 48-h ABP monitoring. The prevalence of hypertension in haemodialysis patients assessed by 48-h ABP monitoring is very high. Pre-haemodialysis BP poorly reflects the 48 h-ABP burden. About a third of the haemodialysis population has white coat or masked hypertension. These findings add weight to consensus documents supporting the use of ABP monitoring for proper hypertension diagnosis and treatment in this population.