Hypoalbuminemia is an important risk factor of hypotension during hemodialysis

Hypotension during hemodialysis (HD) is an important problem in patients on HD. To investigate the risk factors that contribute to the hypotension during HD, we compared background factors of hypotensive (HP) patients during HD. Among 58 patients undergoing HD in Tamura Memorial Hospital, 12 patients could not continue full HD because of hypotension. We compared the data of ultrafiltration volume, cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), total protein (TP), serum albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, total cholesterol (TC), hemoglobin (Hb), blood glucose (BS), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and cardiac function between HP patients (HP group; n=12) and sex- and age-matched control patients (NP group; n=12). There were no significant differences of age, sex, and duration of HD between the 2 groups. Cardiothoracic ratio is bigger and BNP is higher in the HP group compared with the NP group (CTR: HP 55.8+/-2.9% vs. NP 47.7+/-1.1%, p=0.0165; BNP: HP 602+/-171 vs. NP 147+/-38, p=0.0167). Serum albumin in the HP group is significantly lower compared with the NP group (HP 3.2+/-0.1 g/dL vs. NP 3.5+/-0.1 g/dL, p=0.0130). However, there were no significant differences of ultrafiltration rate (UFR), BS, TC, Hb, and cardiac function between the 2 groups. There is a significant negative correlation between changes of systolic blood pressure (delta systolic blood pressure) and serum albumin in these patients (r=-0.598, p=0.0016). From these data, we conclude that hypoalbuminemia is a major risk factor of hypotension during HD.     

A study of the extracorporeal rate of blood flow and blood pressure during hemodialysis

Hemodynamic instability is a common problem during hemodialysis (HD). The effect of blood flow rate (BFR) on blood pressure (BP) during HD has not been previously evaluated. Subjects receiving HD for the treatment of renal failure were enrolled (n=34). For each patient, during the last hour of 2 consecutive HD sessions the BFR was set at 200 mL/min for 30 min and at 400 mL/min for 30 min, during which period the fluid removal rate was kept constant. The order of the BFR alterations was randomized. The study procedure was repeated during the next HD session but with reversal of the order of the altered BFR. During each 30-min period, BP was recorded at baseline and subsequently every 10 min. During the BFR of 400 mL/min, subjects had a higher systolic BP by an average of 4.1 mmHg compared with the BFR of 200 mL/min (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-7.98; p=0.038). Similarly, during the BFR of 400 mL/min, subjects had a higher diastolic BP by an average of 3.04 mmHg compared with the BFR of 200 mL/min (95% CI 0.55-5.53; p=0.017). Likewise, during the BFR of 400 mL/min, subjects had a higher mean arterial pressure by an average of 3.44 mmHg (95% CI 0.77-6.11; p=0.012). The findings suggest that during HD, BPs are maintained higher at higher BFRs as compared with lower BFRs.     

Intradialytic changes in reflective properties of the arterial system during a single hemodialysis session

Increased aortic stiffness-measured as aortic augmentation index (AIx), a global stiffness marker-has emerged as a powerful predictor of survival in hemodialysis (HD). A single HD session is known to produce considerable improvement in aortic stiffness. We set out, for the first time, to examine the relative contributions to the post-HD drastic improvement in aortic stiffness of ultrafiltration rate and volume, or blood pressure (BP) changes. Aortic AIx (difference between the first and the second systolic peak of the aortic pressure waveform divided by pulse wave height) was determined hourly and recorded by applanation tonometry using a SphygmoCor device in 20 chronic HD patients (9 males, age 55.1 years). The other parameters recorded were: weight pre- and post-HD, ultrafiltration volume (UFV), hemoglobin, albumin, creatinine, urea reduction rate (URR), calcium and PTH, and BP. The dialysis significantly decreased AIx from 24.2+/-11.27% to 15.57+/-12.58% (p<0.05). In a univariate analysis, the intradialytic decrease in AIx (AIx 0-4) did not correlate with UFV, URR or with any of the biochemical markers. Significant correlations for AIx 0-4 were age (p=0.018), systolic blood pressure (SBP) at the beginning of HD (p=0.049), the intradialytic decrease in the SBP (p=0.001), and in pulse pressure (PP) (p=0.009). Multivariate stepwise regression showed that the decrease in SBP, PP, and intradialytic percentage reduction in weight explained 64.9% of the total variation in AIx 0-4. The decrease in SBP was the most important factor influencing the AIx variation (b=1.54, p=0.007). The most significant reduction in AIx was from the beginning of HD to the third hour (p=0.039), and correlated with the reduction in SBP (p=0.006) and PP (p=0.025) between the same moments. A single HD session produces a drastic improvement in aortic stiffness. The effect is not explained by the UFV depletion but is highly correlated with the decrease in SBP and PP. Further work is now needed to explore a potential role for endothelin and nitric oxide metabolism.     

Cardiac autonomic dysfunction in hemodialysis patients: The value of heart rate turbulence

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are likely to have cardiac autonomic dysfunction, which is related with an increased risk of sudden death. The aim of this study is to detect cardiac autonomic dysfunction in patients with ESRD and to evaluate the possible acute effects of hemodialysis (HD) on cardiac autonomic functions measured by heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT). Thirty-one (mean age 50 ± 13 years, 15 males) with ESRD on regular HD program and 31 healthy volunteers (mean age 51 ± 12 years, 15 males) were included in the study. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram recordings were taken from the subjects before and after HD and from the control group. Heart rate variability and HRT parameters were calculated from these recordings. All of the HRV and HRT parameters were found to be significantly blunted in patients in comparison with healthy individuals. There were significant differences in HRV after HD, but similar differences were not observed in HRT parameters. Cardiac autonomic functions were significantly altered in patients with ESRD. Heart rate turbulence parameters seemed to be less affected from HD and may be more useful in the evaluation of cardiac autonomic functions in the ESRD population.     

Positive association between plasma levels of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein and myeloperoxidase after hemodialysis in patients with diabetic end‐stage renal disease

End‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) have a high prevalence of cardiovascular events. Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) in dialysis patients has been shown to be susceptible to in vitro peroxidation; therefore, oxidized‐LDL (ox‐LDL) could be generated in these patients. Moreover, myeloperoxidase (MPO) released from activated neutrophils may play a role in the induction of LDL oxidation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma ox‐LDL levels, plasma MPO levels, and serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels during initial HD in patients with diabetic ESRD. Patients (n = 28) had serial venous blood samples drawn before and after HD at the initial, second, and third sessions. Plasma ox‐LDL levels were measured using a specific monoclonal antibody (DLH3), and plasma MPO levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit. Plasma ox‐LDL levels and MPO levels after a single HD session increased significantly (ox‐LDL, P < 0.005; MPO, P < 0.0001) compared with levels before that HD session. However, the increase was transient since the levels returned to pre‐HD session levels. Additionally, plasma MPO levels showed a positive correlation with plasma ox‐LDL levels during HD (R = 0.62, P = 0.0029). No significant change was observed in serum hs‐CRP levels before and after each HD session. This study demonstrates that plasma MPO levels are directly associated with plasma ox‐LDL levels in diabetic ESRD patients during initial HD. These findings suggest a pivotal role for MPO and ox‐LDL in the progression and acceleration of atherosclerosis in patients undergoing HD.     

Hemodialysis‐induced regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction

Introduction Hemodialysis (HD) patients are under observably elevated cardiovascular mortality. Cardiac dysfunction is closely related to death caused by cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In the general population, repetitive myocardial ischemia induced left ventricular (LV) dysfunction may progress to irreversible loss of contraction step by step, and finally lead to cardiac death. In HD patients, to remove water and solute accumulated from 48 or 72 hours of interdialysis period in a 4‐hour HD session will induce myocardial ischemia. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with HD‐induced LV systolic dysfunction and provide some evidences for clinical strategies. Methods We recruited 31 standard HD patients for this study from Fudan University Zhongshan hospital. Echocardiography was performed predialysis, at peak stress during HD (15 minutes prior to the end of dialysis), and 30 minutes after HD. Auto functional imaging (AFI) was used to assess the incidence and persistence of HD‐induced regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs). Blood samples were drawn to measure biochemical variables. Findings Among totally 527 segments of 31 patients, 93.54% (29/31) patients and 51.40% (276/527) segments were diagnosed as RWMAs. Higher cTnT (0.060 ± 0.030 vs. 0.048 ± 0.015 ng/mL, P = 0.023), phosphate (2.07 ± 0.50 vs. 1.49 ± 0.96 mmol/L, P = 0.001), UFR (11.00 ± 3.89 vs. 8.30 ± 2.66 mL/Kg/h, P = 0.039) and lower albumin (37.83 ± 4.48 vs. 38.38 ± 2.53 g/L, P = 0.050) were found in patients with severe RWMAs (RWMAs in more than 50% segments). After univariate and multivariate analysis, interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) was found as independent risk factor of severe RWMAs (OR = 1.047, 95%CI 1.155–4.732, P = 0.038). Discussion LV systolic dysfunction induced by HD is prevalent in conventional HD patients and should be paid attention to. Patients would benefit from better weight control during interdialytic period to reduce ultrafiltration rate.     

The influence of blood volume-controlled ultrafiltration on hemodynamic stability and quality of life

Dialysis hypotension occurs frequently and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and may influence quality of life. We investigated the influence of blood volume (BV)-controlled ultrafiltration on hemodynamic stability and quality of life in a prospective multiple crossover study. Nineteen patients were consecutively treated with standard hemodialysis (HD), BV-controlled ultrafiltration, and again with standard ultrafiltration during 3-week phases, during which different hemodynamic parameters, ultrafiltrate quantities, dry weight, and quality of life were measured. Blood volume-controlled ultrafiltration resulted in increased hemodynamic stability: systolic blood pressure was significantly higher after treatment with BV-controlled HD compared with both standard treatments (p=0.018 and 0.043, respectively). Also, systolic blood pressure reduction, as a measure of blood pressure stability, was significantly smaller during the BV-controlled phase (-3.9 mmHg) compared with both standard phases (-13.7 and -11.0 mmHg): p=0.003 and 0.035, respectively. No difference was found in the occurrence of large decreases of blood pressure (>30 mmHg), decreases below 90 mmHg systolic pressure, or subjective complaints during treatment or after treatment between both treatment modalities. During the course of the study, the dry weight decreased significantly from mean 73.3 to mean 70.9 kg, and the amount of ultrafiltrate was significantly larger using BV-controlled HD compared with standard treatment (mean 2407 vs. mean 2266 mL; p=0.035). Quality of life, measured by visual analog scales (VAS), showed discrete but no consistent differences between study phases. We conclude that BV-controlled HD increases hemodynamic stability and ultrafiltrate amount compared with a standard treatment. No consistent change in quality of life is found between both treatment modalities.     

Relationship between Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and total lymphocyte count and mortality of hemodialysis patients

We examined the relationships between Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), total lymphocyte count (TLC), and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We examined GNRI and TLC in 120 maintenance HD patients and followed these patients for 120 months. Predictors of all‐cause death were examined using life table analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model. TLC marginally correlated with GNRI (r = 0.176; p = 0.090) and significantly with phosphorus levels (r = 0.206; p = 0.026). Life table analysis revealed that subjects with a GNRI < 90 (n = 19) had lower survival rates than did those with a GNRI ≥ 90 (n = 101; Wilcoxon's test, p = 0.048), but subjects with a TLC < 1500/mm³ (n = 76) had similar survival rates compared with subjects with a TLC ≥ 1500/mm³ (n = 44; Wilcoxon's test, p = 0.500). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses demonstrated that GNRI is a significant predictor of mortality (hazard ratio 9.315, 95% confidence interval 1.161–74.753, p = 0.036), after adjusting for age, sex, presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, Kt/V, normalized protein catabolic rate, hematocrit, phosphorus, systolic blood pressure and TLC. Our findings suggest the TLC may be used as a simple nutritional tool, but may not be a predictor of mortality in HD patients. These findings require confirmation by further studies.     

Interdialytic weight gain and ultrafiltration rate in hemodialysis: Lessons about fluid adherence from a national registry of clinical practice

Excessive interdialytic weight gain (IWG) and ultrafiltration rates (UFR) above 10 mL/h/kg body weight imply higher morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of high fluid consumers, describe UFR patterns, and describe patient characteristics associated with IWG and UFR. The Swedish Dialysis DataBase and The Swedish Renal Registry of Active Treatment of Uremia were used as data sources. Data were analyzed from patients aged ≥18 on regular treatment with hemodialysis (HD) and registered during 2002 to 2006. Interdialytic weight gain and dialytic UFR were examined in annual cohorts and the records were based on 9693 HD sessions in 4498 patients. Differences in proportions were analyzed with the chi-square test and differences in means were tested using the ANOVA or the t test. About 30% of the patients had IWG that exceed 3.5% of dry body weight and 5% had IWG ≥5.7%. The volume removed during HD was >10 mL/h/kg for 15% to 23% of the patients, and this rate increased during the first dialytic year. Patient characteristics associated with fluid overload were younger age, lower body mass index, longer dialytic vintage, and high blood pressure. By studying IWG and dialytic UFR as quality indicators, it is shown that there is a potential for continuing improvement in the care of patients in HD settings, i.e., to enhanced adherence to fluid restriction or alternatively to extend the frequency of dialysis for all patients, e.g., by providing daily treatment.     

Effects of frequent hemodialysis on blood pressure: Results from the randomized frequent hemodialysis network trials

Hypertension is a common complication of chronic kidney disease and persists among most patients with end‐stage renal disease despite the provision of conventional thrice weekly hemodialysis (HD). We analyzed the effects of frequent HD on blood pressure in the randomized controlled Frequent Hemodialysis Network trials. The daily trial randomized 245 patients to 12 months of 6× (“frequent”) vs. 3× (“conventional”) weekly in‐center hemodialysis; the nocturnal trial randomized 87 patients to 12 months of 6× weekly nocturnal HD vs. 3× weekly predominantly home‐based hemodialysis. In the daily trial, compared with 3× weekly HD, 2 months of frequent HD lowered predialysis systolic blood pressure by ?7.7 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI): ?11.9 to ?3.5] and diastolic blood pressure by ?3.9 mmHg [95% CI: ?6.5 to ?1.3]. In the nocturnal trial, compared with 3× weekly HD, 2 months of frequent HD lowered systolic blood pressure by ?7.3 mmHg [95% CI: ?14.2 to ?0.3] and diastolic blood pressure by ?4.2 mmHg [95% CI: ?8.3 to ?0.1]. In both trials, blood pressure treatment effects were sustained until month 12. Frequent HD resulted in significantly fewer antihypertensive medications (daily: ?0.36 medications [95% CI: ?0.65 to ?0.08]; nocturnal: ?0.44 mediations [95% CI: ?0.89 to ?0.03]). In the daily trial, the relative risk per dialysis session for intradialytic hypotension was lower with 6×/week HD but given the higher number of sessions per week, there was a higher relative risk for intradialytic hypotensive requiring saline administration. In summary, frequent HD reduces blood pressure and the number of prescribed antihypertensive medications.     

Pre‐ and Post Hemodialysis Procalcitonin Levels and Their Relationships with Immunoregulatory,Proinflammatory Cytokines in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Arteriosclerosis is characterized by stiffening of arteries. The incremental elastic modulus (Einc) measurement is a good marker of arterial wall stiffness. Arteriosclerosis is characterized by stiffening of arteries. Metabolic, inflammatory, and hemodynamic alterations cause structural changes and vascular complications in end‐stage renal disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the factors that may affect the development of arteriosclerosis by measurement of Einc in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Thirty‐two patients (16 men and 16 women) on chronic HD with a mean age of 42.2 ± 19.3 (range, 15–80) were included in the study. The carotid Einc was measured to determine arteriosclerosis by high‐resolution echo‐tracking system. Einc measurement was calculated from transcutaneous measurements of carotid arterial internal diameter and wall thickness and carotid pulse pressure. Common carotid compliance (CCC) and distensibility (CCD) were determined from changes in carotid artery diameter during systole and simultaneously measured carotid pulse pressure. Serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), parathormone (PTH), ferritin, C‐reactive protein (CRP), predialysis systolic blood pressure (SBP), predialysis diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), age, HD duration, CCC, and CCD were correlated with Einc in all patients. A significant positive correlation was found between Einc and age (r = 0.40, p < 0.02), SBP (r = 0.39, p < 0.02), PP (r = 0.40, p < 0.02), Ca (r = 0.43, p < 0.01), CRP (r = 0.38, p < 0.02). As expected, Einc was correlated inversely with CCD (r = ?0.77, p < 0.0001). The correlation between Einc and HD duration, DBP, ferritin, P, PTH, and CCC was not significant. In conclusion, the stiffening of carotid artery in HD patients is related not only to hemodynamic changes (increased SBP and PP) but also to metabolic (increased Ca) and inflammatory (increased CRP) responses. Carotid Einc is an accepted independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. Because of the positive correlation between Einc and serum Ca, vitamin D and Ca‐containing P binder should be used carefully in HD patients.     

Risk factors associated with elevated serum pancreatic amylase levels during hemodialysis

Elevated levels of serum pancreatic enzymes are frequently observed in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The complex hemodynamic, biochemical, and physiological alterations in uremia were speculated to cause excessive release of pancreatic enzymes beyond decreased renal clearance. However, hemodynamic factors are seldom explored in this aspect. We performed the study to evaluate the association between intradialytic hemodynamic change and elevated serum pancreatic amylase (SPA). Eighty‐three prevalent HD patients without any clinical evidence of acute pancreatitis underwent pre‐HD and post‐HD blood sampling for serum pancreatic enzyme levels. Demographic, biochemical, and hematological data were collected from patient record review. Hemodialysis information including intradialytic blood pressure changes and ultrafiltration (UF) amount were collected and averaged for 1 month before the blood sampling day. Patients with elevated SPA during the HD session had greater mean systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure reduction, greater UF volume, greater pre‐HD blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, higher serum phosphorus, lower pre‐HD serum total CO₂, and lower left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF). Using multivariate linear and logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of elevated SPA were determined to be mean arterial pressure reduction during HD, mean UF amount, pre‐HD serum total CO₂, and LVEF. Greater blood pressure reduction during HD, greater UF volume, lower pre‐HD serum total CO₂, and lower LVEF were significantly associated with elevated SPA during HD. This suggests that hemodynamic factors contribute to elevated serum pancreatic enzymes in HD patients.     

High prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and nodular thyroid disease in patients on hemodialysis

Chronic kidney disease has been known to affect thyroid hormone metabolism. Low serum levels of T3 and T4 are the most remarkable laboratorial findings. A high incidence of goiter and nodules on thyroid ultrasonography has been reported in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Our objective is to evaluate the prevalence of laboratorial and morphologic alterations in the thyroid gland in a cohort of patients with ESRD on hemodialysis (HD). Sixty‐one patients with ESRD on HD were selected and compared with 43 healthy subjects matched by age, gender, and weight. Patients were submitted to thyroid ultrasonography. T3, free T4 (FT4), thyroid‐stimulating hormone, antithyroglobulin, and antithyroperoxidase antibodies were measured. The mean age of patients with ESRD was 47.4 ± 12.3 and 61% were women. ESRD was mainly caused by hypertensive nephrosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy. Mean thyroid volume, as determined by ultrasonography, was similar in both groups. Patients with ESRD had more hypoechoic nodules when compared with the control group (24.1% vs. 7.9%, P = 0.056). Mean serum FT4 and T3 levels were significantly lower in patients with ESRD, and subclinical hypothyroidism was more prevalent in patients with ESRD (21.82% vs. 7.14% control group, P = 0.04). Titers of antithyroid antibodies were similar in both groups. ESRD was associated with a higher prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and lower levels of T3 and FT4. Almost a quarter of patients showed thyroid nodules >10 mm. Periodic ultrasound evaluation and assessment of thyroid function are recommended in patients with ESRD on HD.     

Arterial Hypertension Is Associated with Increased Serum Lipoprotein(a) Levels in End‐Stage Renal Disease Patients

In addition to disorders in lipoprotein metabolism, several other factors are involved in the development of atherosclerotic changes in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. One of these is arterial hypertension. We evaluated serum lipids—total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), apolipoproteins (A_I , A _II , B, E), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]—in 109 ESRD patients on dialysis [46 on hemodialysis (HD); 63 on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)] and in 45 hyperlipidemic patients without renal failure (HL group). Dialysis patients were divided in two groups. Group A included 42 hypertensive patients (mean age: 62.3 ± 15.5 years) whose blood pressure (BP) was satisfactorily controlled with anti‐hypertensive medications. Group B included 67 non hypertensive patients (mean age: 66.6 ± 11.9 years). Levels of Lp(a) were significantly higher in both the HD (p = 0.001) and the CAPD (p < 0.05) patients as compared with the HL group. When the HD and CAPD groups were divided into hypertensive and non hypertensive patients, Lp(a) levels were significantly higher in the hypertensive patients; this difference was not observed among non renal failure patients. These results indicate that arterial hypertension is associated with elevated Lp(a) serum levels in ESRD patients undergoing either HD or CAPD.     

Successful management of severe hyponatremia in CKD‐VD: In a cost limited setting

Patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and severe hyponatremia always pose a challenge to manage. It is necessary to correct biochemical parameters, advanced azotemia, and fluid overload with conventional haemodialysis (HD) but it may correct serum sodium (Na) rapidly resulting in neurological complications like seizures and osmotic demyelination syndrome. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is an ideal modality to manage such patients. However, most of the centers in the developing or underdeveloped nations do not have CRRT facility. We present two cases of ESRD, who had advanced azotemia requiring dialysis, also had persistent vomiting and severe hyponatremia (one with Na 107, another with Na 109 mEq/L), both cases were managed with conventional HD using dialysate Na concentration of 128 mEq/L (lowest permissible level of Na in a traditional HD machine) and keeping the blood flow of 50 mL/min. The serum Na increased by 1 mEq/L/h during first HD session, during the next session blood flow increased to 100 mL/min, and serum Na increased by two mEq/L/h. At the end of 48 hours, we were able to successfully correct serum Na by 18 mEq/L, with complete resolution of uremic manifestations and no neurological deficits. The current reports highlight management of hyponatremia in newly diagnosed ESRD in a cost limited setting.     

Association of bioimpedance spectroscopy‐based volume estimation with postdialysis hypotension in patients receiving hemodialysis

Clinical examination to determine the dry weight of patients on hemodialysis (HD) has been problematic, with studies showing discordance between physician assessment and objective measures of volume status.We studied the association between predialysis bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS)‐based estimates of fluid overload and postdialysis hypotension in 635 patients in the United States Renal Data System ACTIVE/ADIPOSE (A Cohort study To Investigate the Value of Exercise/Analyses Designed to Investigate the Paradox of Obesity and Survival in ESRD) study receiving HD in 2009–2011. We recorded predialysis and postdialysis weight and blood pressures over 3 consecutive HD sessions and performed BIS before a single session. Using a previously reported method of estimating normohydration weight, we estimated postdialysis fluid overload (FO_post) in liters. We used logistic regression with extracellular water/total body water (ECW/TBW) or estimated FO_post as the primary predictor and 1 or more postdialysis systolic blood pressures less than 110 mmHg as the dependent variable. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, ultrafiltration rate per kilogram of body weight, end‐stage renal disease vintage, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, and albumin. Higher ECW/TBW was associated with lower odds of postdialysis hypotension (odds ratio [OR] 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.15–0.84 per 0.1, P = 0.02). Every liter of FO_post was associated with lower adjusted odds of postdialysis hypotension (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79–0.95, P = 0.003). Prospective studies are needed to determine whether this application of BIS could improve current clinical efforts to minimize episodes of postdialysis hypotension without leading to volume overload.     

Results of improvement in adequacy of intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) in uremic patients

Sodium modeling is a strategy to decrease the incidence of hypotension during hemodialysis. Side effects include increased interdialytic weight gain. By default, all patients at our dialysis center are started on HD with sodium modeling. Purpose: To compare weight gain and blood pressure after discontinuation of sodium modeling. Methods: Ten patients using sodium modeling were changed to a standard sodium bath after a change in attending physician. After IRB approval, we collected and retrospectively reviewed the change in interdialytic weight gains, episodes of hypotension (defined as an episode of hypotension requiring staff intervention), and starting and ending blood pressure. Data from one week prior to Na change (PRE) was compared to one week after Na change (POST) using a paired samples t‐test. Results: Data from 4 men and 6 women with a mean age of 65.2 ± 13.7 years was reviewed. ESRD diagnoses included diabetes (n = 4) and hypertension (n = 6). Interdialytic weight gain significantly decreased after discontinuation of sodium modeling (PRE 3.86 kg, POST 3.11 kg, p = 0.004). No significant change in blood pressure at the start (PRE 154/82 POST 156/83, p = 0.745) or end of HD (PRE 123/69, POST 130/67, p = 0.201) was observed. However, the frequency of symptomatic hypotension increased after change to standard sodium bath (PRE = 6%, POST = 27%, p = 0.031). All episodes of hypotension occurred in 3 of the 10 study patients. No patient required cessation of HD or transfer to the emergency department. The degree of weight gain was not correlated with the likelihood of intradialytic hypotension. Conclusion: A change from sodium modeling to standard sodium dialysate lowers interdialytic weight gain but increases the incidence of mild symptomatic hypotension. Further study is needed to determine whether mild hypotension is preferable to increased interdialytic weight gain and to determine the relationship of increased weight gain to complications of volume overload such as LVH and CHF.     

Oral intake during hemodialysis: Is there an association with intradialytic hypotension?

Oral intake (OI) of food and fluid has been associated with hypotension during hemodialysis (HD). Trials evaluating this relationship are small. The objective of this study was to quantify OI and to examine its association with hypotension during HD. This is a cross-sectional retrospective chart review study of 3 consecutive HD runs (dialysate iCa=1.25 mmol/L) in 126 stable HD patients (n=378). For each run, the calculation for OI=total ultrafiltration-(net weight loss+IV fluids given). Hypotension was defined as a systolic blood pressure of <100 mmHg at any point during the run. The mean age of the patients was 60.9 years, 38.2% were female, 30.2% had diabetes mellitus, and the majority were Caucasian. The mean (SD) OI was 0.27 (0.352) L/run, range -1.061 to 1.901 L/run, with a normal distribution. In bivariate analysis, there was no correlation of OI with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or mean blood pressure (BP), and the mean OI did not differ among runs with hypotension (n=78) compared with uncomplicated runs (p=0.93). Oral intake was not predictive of hypotension in a multiple logistic regression model controlling for vintage, age, sex, BP medications, coronary disease, dialysis day and shift, diabetes mellitus, s-Ca, Na and ultrafiltration profiles, and dialysis temperature, even when the analysis was restricted to runs where the patients reached the prescribed dry weight within 0.1 kg. The results of this study suggest that the mean OI during dialysis is just over 0.25 kg, with some patients consuming several kilograms. The clinical significance of OI is uncertain. We did not find an association between OI and hypotension. It is likely that this association was confounded by failure to achieve the prescribed dry weight in a proportion of patients with a high OI, as well as interventions implemented in response to hypotension in previous runs. For example, patients with previous episodes of low BP are advised to limit OI, are prescribed profiles, and so on. There may be other deleterious effects of high OI including hypertension and cardiac disease. The generalizability of the results of this largely Caucasian study population is a recognized limitation. Further prospective and blinded studies are needed to examine the association between OI and hypotension, the long-term clinical consequences of OI, and to define thresholds for recommended OI during dialysis.     

Left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease and the effects of hemodialysis

Left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony is a known cause of mortality in patients with heart failure and may possibly play a similar role in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in whom sudden death is one of the most common and as yet not fully explained cause of death. LV synchronicity and its relationship with increased volume load and various biomarkers was analyzed in 145 patients including 53 patients with CKD stages 3 and 4 and in 92 CKD stage 5 patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) using color tissue Doppler imaging and tissue synchronization imaging. The HD patients were evaluated both before and after a single HD session. LV dyssynchrony was defined as a regional difference in time to peak systolic myocardial velocity, between 12 LV segments > 105 milliseconds. LV dyssynchrony was present in 54% of the patients with no difference between CKD 3 and 4 (58%), HD (48%), and PD (51%). LV dyssynchrony was independently associated with LV mass index and increased estimation of LV end‐diastolic pressure. A single HD session resulted in significant changes in LV synchronicity variables—with improvement in 50% of the patients—especially in patients with higher myocardial systolic velocities and lower LV mass index. Abnormalities in LV synchronicity are highly prevalent in CKD patients already prior to dialysis treatment and are associated with LV hypertrophy, LV dysfunction and load conditions, underlining the importance of volume status for LV synchronicity in CKD patients.