Epidemiology of interdialytic ambulatory hypertension and the role of volume excess

I Brazilian guideline on hypertension in dialysis of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology

Hypertension in dialysis patients (HTND) has a high prevalence, affecting at least 80% or more of patients, and its management in the nephrology practice is heterogeneous and often empirical. Knowing how to define, understand the pathophysiology, diagnose, monitor and treat with lifestyle changes, and adjust antihypertensive drugs to achieve the recommended blood pressure (BP) target - to reduce morbidity and mortality - requires specific knowl-edge and approaches within the contexts of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). This document is the first guideline of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology, developed by the departments of Hypertension and Dialysis. It aims to guide physicians who provide care in dialysis centers on how to manage patients with HTND, in a comprehensive and individualized manner, based on the critical appraisal of the best available scientific evidence. When such evidence is scarce or unavailable, the opinion of specialists should be recommended. The different topics covered include HTND definition (pre-HD BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg and post-HD BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg), epidemiology, and pathophysiology; diagnosis of HTND preferably with BP measurements outside the dialysis setting (BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg); complementary assessment; blood pressure targets; non-pharmacological treatment; use of the most appropriate antihypertensive medications; special situations; and complications of HTND, predominantly cardiovascular ones.

Resistant Hypertension in Dialysis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension is defined as an elevated BP despite the use of ≥3 antihypertensive medications from different classes or the use of ≥4 antihypertensives regardless of BP levels. Among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, using this definition, the prevalence of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension is estimated to be between 18% and 42%. Owing to the lack of a rigorous assessment of some common causes of pseudoresistance, the burden of true resistant hypertension in the dialysis population remains unknown. What distinguishes apparent treatment-resistance from true resistance is white-coat hypertension and adherence to medications. Accordingly, the diagnostic workup of a dialysis patient with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension on dialysis includes the accurate determination of BP control status with the use of home or ambulatory BP monitoring and exclusion of nonadherence to the prescribed antihypertensive regimen. In a patient on dialysis with inadequately controlled BP, despite adherence to therapy with maximally tolerated doses of a β -blocker, a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, and a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor, volume-mediated hypertension is the most important treatable cause of resistance. In daily clinical practice, such patients are often managed with intensification of antihypertensive therapy. However, this therapeutic strategy is likely to fail if volume overload is not adequately recognized or treated. Instead of increasing the number of prescribed BP-lowering medications, we recommend diet and dialysate restricted in sodium to facilitate achievement of dry weight. The achievement of dry weight is facilitated by an adequate time on dialysis of at least 4 hours for delivering an adequate dialysis dose. In this article, we review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of resistant hypertension among patients on dialysis.

Which blood pressure metrics should be used in patients on dialysis?

Remarkable progress has recently been achieved in blood pressure (BP) control based on key research findings in the general population. It has been observed that maintaining BP slightly lower than previously recommended goals leads to better clinical outcomes, provided that patients can tolerate it. Previously, BP control targets for dialysis patients were extrapolated from studies conducted on the general population. However, dialysis patients are considered a distinct group with unique characteristics, which makes defining appropriate BP targets a matter of debate. Several observational studies measuring BP in hemodialysis (HD) patients within dialysis units have shown that lower peridialysis BP (pre-, post-, and interdialytic BP) is associated with worse clinical outcomes. However, this association is likely confounded by factors specific to dialysis patients. The relationship between BP and mortality appears to be more linear in patients with fewer underlying cardiovascular diseases and longer survival. Recent studies have indicated that BP measurements taken outside of dialysis sessions, such as standardized BP on nondialysis days, home BP, and ambulatory BP monitoring between HD sessions, are more predictive of clinical outcomes. Due to the varied effects of dialysis-related treatment practices on BP, there is a lack of data from large-scale clinical trials. As a result, it is challenging to provide strong recommendations for BP targets directly applicable to dialysis patients. This review addresses various factors influencing BP in dialysis patients, including the establishment of individualized target BP levels and discussions on maintenance strategies, while incorporating a recent literature review.

Renal Denervation in End-Stage Renal Disease: Current Evidence and Perspectives

In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing haemodialysis, hypertension is of common detection and frequently inadequately controlled. Multiple pathophysiological mechanisms are involved in the development and progression of the ESRD-related high blood pressure state, which has been implicated in the increased cardiovascular risk reported in this hypertensive clinical phenotype. Renal sympathetic efferent and afferent nerves play a relevant role in the development and progression of elevated blood pressure values in patients with ESRD, often leading to resistant hypertension. Catheter-based bilateral renal nerves ablation has been shown to exert blood pressure lowering effects in resistant hypertensive patients with normal kidney function. Promising data on the procedure in ESRD patients with resistant hypertension have been reported in small scale pilot studies. Denervation of the native non-functioning kidney's neural excitatory influences on central sympathetic drive could reduce the elevated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality seen in ESRD patients. The present review article will focus on the promising results obtained with renal denervation in patients with ESRD, its mechanisms of action and future perspectives in these high risk patients.

Pharmacological management of hypertension and outcome among patients on hemodialysis at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

hypertension is prevalent among patients attending hemodialysis. However, published information on hypertension management among patients on hemodialysis in African countries is scarce. This study assessed antihypertensive medication prescribing patterns and blood pressure control among patients with hypertension on hemodialysis in Tanzania.

Methods

an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam from April to June 2022. The study population consisted of patients with hypertension undergoing hemodialysis. Data on demographic, clinical characteristics and the antihypertensive medications used by the patients was collected using a structured questionnaire. Analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 26. Uncontrolled pre-dialysis blood pressure determinants were assessed using a modified Poisson regression model. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

out of 314 participants, the majority (68.2%, n= 214) were male, and the median age was 52 (interquartile range: 42, 60) years. Only 16.9% (n= 53) of patients had their pre-dialysis blood pressure controlled. The most frequent antihypertensive medications prescribed were calcium channel blockers (73.2%, n= 230). Patients with less than three dialysis sessions were 20% more likely to have uncontrolled blood pressure than those with three sessions in a week (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.2).

Conclusion

most patients on hemodialysis with hypertension had poor blood pressure control, according to the study. Patients with hypertension should be strongly encouraged to adhere to at least three hemodialysis treatments to achieve optimal blood pressure control.

Pathophysiological concepts and screening of cardiovascular disease in dialysis patients

Dialysis patients experience 10-20 times higher cardiovascular mortality than the general population. The high burden of both conventional and nontraditional risk factors attributable to loss of renal function can explain higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and death among dialysis patients. As renal function declines, uremic toxins accumulate in the blood and disrupt cell function, causing cardiovascular damage. Hemodialysis patients have many cardiovascular complications, including sudden cardiac death. Peritoneal dialysis puts dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease at increased risk of CVD complications and emergency hospitalization. The current standard of care in this population is based on observational data, which has a high potential for bias due to the paucity of dedicated randomized clinical trials. Furthermore, guidelines lack specific guidelines for these patients, often inferring them from non-dialysis patient trials. A crucial step in the prevention and treatment of CVD would be to gain better knowledge of the influence of these predisposing risk factors. This review highlights the current evidence regarding the influence of advanced chronic disease on the cardiovascular system in patients undergoing renal dialysis.

Diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in dialysis patients: a systematic review

In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing dialysis, hypertension is common but often inadequately controlled. The prevalence of hypertension varies widely among studies because of differences in the definition of hypertension and the methods of used to measure blood pressure (BP), i.e., peri-dialysis or ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Recently, ABPM has become the gold standard for diagnosing hypertension in dialysis patients. Home BP monitoring can also be a good alternative to ABPM, emphasizing BP measurement outside the hemodialysis (HD) unit. One thing for sure is pre- and post-dialysis BP measurements should not be used alone to diagnose and manage hypertension in dialysis patients. The exact target of BP and the relationship between BP and all-cause mortality or cause-specific mortality are unclear in this population. Many observational studies with HD cohorts have almost universally reported a U-shaped or even an L-shaped association between BP and all-cause mortality, but most of these data are based on the BP measured in HD units. Some data with ABPM have shown a linear association between BP and mortality even in HD patients, similar to the general population. Supporting this, the results of meta-analysis have shown a clear benefit of BP reduction in HD patients. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the optimal target BP in the dialysis population, and for now, an individualized approach is appropriate, with particular emphasis on avoiding excessively low BP. Maintaining euvolemia is of paramount importance for BP control in dialysis patients. Patient heterogeneity and the lack of comparative evidence preclude the recommendation of one class of medication over another for all patients. Recently, however, β-blockers could be considered as a first-line therapy in dialysis patients, as they can reduce sympathetic overactivity and left ventricular hypertrophy, which contribute to the high incidence of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Several studies with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have also reported promising results in reducing mortality in dialysis patients. However, safety issues such as hyperkalemia or hypotension should be further evaluated before their use.

Resistant hypertension in dialysis

Hypertension is the most common finding in chronic kidney disease patients, with prevalence ranging from 60% to 90% depending on the stage and etiology of the disease. It is also a significant independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, progression to end-stage kidney disease and mortality. According to the current guidelines, resistant hypertension is defined in the general population as uncontrolled blood pressure on three or more antihypertensive drugs in adequate doses or when patients are on four or more antihypertensive drug categories irrespective of the blood pressure control, providing that antihypertensive treatment included diuretics. The currently established definitions of resistant hypertension are not directly applicable to the end-stage kidney disease setting. The diagnosis of true resistant hypertension requires confirmation of adherence to therapy and confirmation of uncontrolled blood pressure values by ambulatory blood pressure measurement or home blood pressure measurement. In addition, the term "apparent treatment-resistant hypertension," defined as an uncontrolled blood pressure on three or more antihypertensive medication classes, or use of four or more medications regardless of blood pressure level was introduced. In this comprehensive review we focused on the definitions of hypertension, and therapeutic targets in patients on renal replacement therapy, including the limitations and biases. We discussed the issue of pathophysiology and assessment of blood pressure in the dialyzed population, management of resistant hypertension as well as available data on prevalence of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension in end-stage kidney disease. To conclude, larger sample-size and even higher quality studies about drug adherence should be conducted in the population of patients with the end-stage kidney disease who are on dialysis. It also should be determined how and when blood pressure should be measured in the group of dialysis patients. Additionally, it should be stated what the target blood pressure values in this group of patients really are. The definition of resistant hypertension in this group should be revisited, and its relationship to both subclinical and clinical endpoints should be established.

Apparently Resistant Hypertension in Polish Hemodialyzed Population: Prevalence and Risk Factors

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and determinants of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) in an unselected large population of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) treated with hemodialysis (HD) throughout the country.

METHODS

A database of 5879 patients (mean age 65.2 ± 14.2 years, 60% of males receiving hemodialysis) was obtained from the biggest provider of hemodialysis in the country. Hypertension and aTRH were defined using pre- or/and post-dialysis BP values. Patients with and without aTRH (non-aTRH) were compared.

RESULTS

Using pre- and post-dialysis criteria, hypertension was diagnosed in 90.7% and 89.1% of subjects, respectively. According to pre- and post-dialysis blood pressure criteria, aTRH incidences were 40.9% and 38.4%, respectively. The hypertensive patients with aTRH versus non-aTRH were younger, had a higher rate of cardiovascular disease, lower dialysis vintage, shorter time on dialysis, higher eKt/V, higher ultrafiltration, higher pre- and post-dialysis BP and HR, and higher use of antihypertensive drugs. Factors that increase the risk of aTRH according to both pre- and post-dialysis BP criteria were age-OR 0.99 [0.98-0.99] and 0.99 [0.98-0.99], the history of CVD 1.26 [1.08-1.46] and 1.30 [1.12-1.51], and diabetes 1.26 [1.08-1.47] and 1.28 [1.09-1.49], adjusted OR with 95% CI.

CONCLUSIONS

In the real-life world, as much as 40% of HD patients may have aTRH. In ESKD HD patients, aTRH seems to be multifactorial, influenced by patient-related rather than dialysis-related factors. Various definitions of aTRH preclude easy comparisons between studies.

Combined aerobic and resistance exercise in maintenance hemodialysis patients: A meta-analysis

Exercise brings many benefits to patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), but the effect of combined aerobic and resistance exercise remains unclear. English and Chinese databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, Wan Fang, and CBM) were searched from inception to January 2023 to retrieve qualified randomized controlled trials. The literature selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment of included studies were conducted independently by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 23 studies with 1214 participants were included, and 17 of the interventions were conducted during dialysis. Results showed that combined aerobic and resistance exercise (CARE) improved the peak oxygen uptake, six-minute walking test, 60 s sit-to-stand test (STS), 30 s STS, dialysis adequacy, five (out of eight) domains and physical component summary of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36, blood pressure, and hemoglobin for MHD patients compared with usual care. No significant changes were found in the mental component summary of HRQOL, C-reactive protein, creatinine, potassium, sodium, calcium, and phosphate. Subgroup analysis showed that intradialytic CARE ameliorated more outcomes, except for handgrip strength and hemoglobin, than non-intradialytic ones. CARE is an effective way to improve physical function, aerobic capacity, dialysis adequacy, and HRQOL for MHD patients. Strategies should be implemented by clinicians and policymakers to motivate patients to do more exercise. Well-designed clinical trials are warranted to explore the effectiveness of non-intradialytic CARE.

Interdialytic Blood Pressure and Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Death in Hemodialysis Patients

INTRODUCTION

Normal (120-140 mm Hg) systolic peridialysis blood pressure (BP) is associated with higher mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

AIM

We explored the relationship between hypertension and BP on outcomes using data collected at the interdialytic period.

METHODS

This was a single-center observational cohort study with 2672 HD patients. BP was determined at inception, in mid-week, between 2 consecutive dialysis sessions. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mm Hg. Endpoints were major CV events and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 31 months, 761 patients (28%) experienced CV events and 1181 (44%) died. Hypertensive patients had lower survival free of CV than normotensive patients (P = 0.031). No difference occurred in the incidence of death between groups. Compared with the reference category of SBP ≥ 171 mmHg, the incidence of cardiovascular events was reduced in patients with SBP 101-110 (HR 0.647, 95% CI 0.455 to 0.920), 111-120 (HR 0.663, 95%CI 0.492 to 0.894), 121-130 (HR 0.747, 95%CI 0.569 to 0.981), and 131-140 (HR 0.757, 95%CI 0.596 to 0.962). On multivariate analysis, systolic and diastolic BP were not independent predictors of CV events or death. Normal interdialytic BP was not associated with mortality or CV events, and hypertension predicted an increased probability of CV complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Interdialytic BP may be preferred to guide treatment decisions, and HD patients should be treated according to guidelines for the general population until specific BP targets for this population are identified.

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers on cardiovascular outcomes in dialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and/or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are recommended by guidelines as first-line antihypertensive therapies in the general population or in patients with earlier stages of kidney disease. However, the cardioprotective benefit of these agents among patients on dialysis remains uncertain.

METHODS

We searched the MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane databases from inception through February 2022 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of ACEIs/ARBs relative to placebo or no add-on treatment in patients receiving dialysis. RCTs were eligible if they assessed fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular events as a primary efficacy endpoint.

RESULTS

We identified five RCTs involving 1582 dialysis patients. Compared with placebo or no add-on treatment, the use of ACEIs/ARBs was not associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular events {risk ratio [RR] 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57-1.11]}. Furthermore, there was no benefit in cardiovascular mortality [RR 0.82 (95% CI 0.59-1.14)] and all-cause mortality [RR 0.86 (95% CI 0.64-1.15)]. These results were consistent when the included RCTs were stratified by subgroups, including hypertension, ethnicity, sample size, duration of follow-up and quality.

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis showed that among patients on dialysis, the use of ACEIs/ARBs is not associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality as compared with placebo or no add-on treatment.

Hypertension in Dialysis Patients: Diagnostic Approaches and Evaluation of Epidemiology

Whereas hypertension is an established cardiovascular risk factor in the general population, the contribution of increased blood pressure (BP) to the huge burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients receiving dialysis continues to be debated. In a large part, this controversy is attributable to particular difficulties in the accurate diagnosis of hypertension. The reverse epidemiology of hypertension in dialysis patients is based on evidence from large cohort studies showing that routine predialysis or postdialysis BP measurements exhibit a U-shaped or J-shaped association with cardiovascular or all-cause mortality. However, substantial evidence supports the notion that home or ambulatory BP measurements are superior to dialysis-unit BP recordings in diagnosing hypertension, in detecting evidence of target-organ damage and in prognosticating the all-cause death risk. In the first part of this article, we explore the accuracy of different methods of BP measurement in diagnosing hypertension among patients on dialysis. In the second part, we describe how the epidemiology of hypertension is modified when the assessment of BP is based on dialysis-unit versus home or ambulatory recordings.

Prevalence of Apparent Treatment-Resistant Hypertension in ESKD Patients Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis

BACKGROUND

Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) is defined as failure to achieve adequate blood pressure (BP) control despite taking ≥3 antihypertensive medications from different categories or when taking ≥4 antihypertensives regardless of BP levels.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we estimated the prevalence of aTRH in 140 patients receiving long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) in four centers of Northern Greece, using the "gold-standard" method of ambulatory BP monitoring for the assessment of BP control status. The presence of subclinical overhydration was evaluated with the method of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS).

RESULTS

Incorporating the diagnostic threshold of 130/80 mmHg for 24-hour ambulatory BP, the prevalence of aTRH in the overall study population was 30%. Compared to patients without aTRH, those with aTRH tended to be older in age, had higher PD vintage, had higher dialysate-to-plasma creatinine ratio, had more commonly history of diabetes mellitus, and were more commonly current smokers. With respect to the volume status, the overhydration index in BIS was higher in those with versus without aTRH (2.0 ± 1.9 L vs. 1.1 ± 2.0 L, P < 0.05). The prevalence of volume overload, defined as an overhydration index in BIS > 2.5 L, was also higher in the subgroup of patients with aTRH (38.1% vs. 18.4, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that among patients on PD, the prevalence of aTRH was 30%. However, 38% of PD patients with aTRH had subclinical overhydration in BIS, suggesting that the achievement of adequate volume control may be a therapeutic opportunity to improve the management of hypertension in this high-risk patient population.The present study showed that among patients on PD, the prevalence of aTRH was 30%. However, 38% of PD patients with aTRH had subclinical overhydration in BIS, suggesting that the achievement of adequate volume control may be a therapeutic opportunity to improve the management of hypertension in this high-risk patient population.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

Trial Number NCT03607747.

[Out-of-center blood pressure measurements in dialysis patients: Feasibility and comparison of methods]

The European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA)/European Society of Hypertension (ESH) recommends out-of-center blood pressure measurements, self-blood pressure measurement or ambulatory blood pressure measurement in dialysis patients. However, the feasibility of out-of-center blood pressure measurements in routine care is not known. The objective of our study was to quantify it as "a priori" i.e. the percentage of hemodialysis to whom out-of-center blood pressure measurements can be proposed and who accept it, as "a posteriori", i.e. the percentage of out-of-center blood pressure measurements made and valid. A systematic out-of-center blood pressure measurements program was implemented from April to October 2019 in our chronic hemodialysis structures. It was proposed to each dialysis patient to carry out after education, an self-blood pressure measurement (Omron M3®), from 2 measurements, to 1 to 2minutes interval, mornings and evenings of 6days without dialysis (validity: 15 measures). Apart from arrhythmic patients, to all patients "not eligible" for self-blood pressure measurement (visually impaired, hemiplegic, neuropsychological disorders, language barrier), a 44-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement (Microlife WatchBP 03®) was proposed separating 2 hemodialysis sessions; measures every 15minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 30minutes from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. (validity: 40 measurements/day and 14/night). This is a study evaluating practices recommended for routine care in 18-year-old hemodialysis, having given their consent to the collection and analysis of the data. One hundred twenty nine patients were treated with chronic hemodialysis in our structures during the out-of-center blood pressure measurements campaign. Out-of-center blood pressure measurements could not be done in 21 patients (4 deceased, 2 transplanted and 4 absent before evaluation; 7 arrhythmics; 3 refusals and 1 multiple-disabled). Of these 108 patients (sex ratio 1.25; 69.3±13.5 years), 23 were ineligible for self-blood pressure measurement (visually impaired, neuro- and/or psychological disorders, language barrier). Due to 4 self-blood pressure measurement failures, the feasibility of the self-blood pressure measurement (n=81/129) is 62.8 % (CI95% 54.2-70.7). Of the 24 ambulatory blood pressure measurements performed (23 among those not eligible for self-blood pressure measurement and 1 failure of self-blood pressure measurement), 19 were valid. The "a posteriori" feasibility of out-of-center blood pressure measurements (n=100/129) is 77.5 % (CI95% 69.6-83.4). The feasibility of out-of-center blood pressure measurements in hemodialysis patients is good, making the application of the recommendations possible.

Plant-Based Diets and Peritoneal Dialysis: A Review

Whole food plant-based diets are gaining popularity as a preventative and therapeutic modality for numerous chronic health conditions, including chronic kidney disease, but their role and safety in end-stage kidney disease patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) is unclear. Given the general public's increased interest in this dietary pattern, it is likely that clinicians will encounter individuals on PD who are either consuming, considering, or interested in learning more about a diet with more plants. This review explores how increasing plant consumption might affect those on PD, encompassing potential benefits, including some specific to the PD population, and potential concerns.

Epidemiology of Hypertension among Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis Using Standardized Office and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Recordings

INTRODUCTION

Prior studies conducted in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in the late 1990s provided considerably variable estimates of the prevalence and control of hypertension. The present study aimed to investigate the current state of hypertension management in this high-risk population.

METHODS

In 140 stable PD patients, we performed standardized automated office blood pressure (BP) measurements and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) using the Mobil-O-Graph device (IEM, Germany). Office and ambulatory hypertension was diagnosed in patients with office BP ≥140/90 mm Hg and 24-h BP ≥130/80 mm Hg, respectively. Patients treated with ≥1 BP-lowering medications were also classified as hypertensives.

RESULTS

The prevalence of office and ambulatory hypertension was 92.9% and 95%, respectively. In all, 92.1% of patients were being treated with an average of 2.4 BP-lowering medications daily. Adequate BP control was achieved in 52.3% and 38.3% of hypertensives by office BP and ABPM, respectively. The agreement between these 2 techniques in the identification of patients with BP levels above the diagnostic thresholds of hypertension was moderate (k-statistic: 0.524). In all, 5% of patients were normotensives with both techniques, 31.4% had controlled hypertension, 5% had white-coat hypertension, 19.3% had masked hypertension, and 39.3% had sustained hypertension. Isolated nocturnal hypertension was detected in 23.6% of patients, whereas no patient had isolated daytime hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Among PD patients, hypertension is highly prevalent and remains often inadequately controlled. The use of ABPM enables the better classification of severity of hypertension and identification of isolated nocturnal hypertension, which is a common BP phenotype in the PD population.

Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan on resistant hypertension and myocardial work in hemodialysis patients

Growing evidences have confirmed the effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan (SV) on antihypertension and cardiac protection in general population. However, there was no prospective study about the effect and safety of SV on resistant hypertension and myocardial work in hemodialysis patients. In this single‐center, prospective, before‐after study, enrolled patients were endured with resistant hypertension for more than 6 months. Participants were initially instructed to take SV 50 mg twice daily, and the dosage was gradually increased up to 100 mg twice daily. The primary outcomes were blood pressure (BP) control, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), myocardial work (MW), fatigue and life quality. In addition, the adverse events were also recorded in this cohort. A total of 18 patients (34–64 years old) was finally enrolled and completed in this study. The SV‐based regimen provided significantly mean sitting systolic BP (msSBP) and mean sitting diastolic BP (msDBP) reductions from baseline (‐20.7/‐8.3 mm Hg), respectively. The cardiac remodeling parameters were partially improved. Compared to the baseline, NT‐proBNP was significantly reduced at week 4 (8119.50 [3710.75, 29300] pg/ml to 7216.50 [4124.75, 17455.00] pg/ml, p = .046), which was much lower at week 12 (3130.50 [2244.50, 9565.70] pg/ml, p = .037). Global MW index was higher at week 12 compared to the baseline (p = .026). MW efficiency was also improved accordingly compared to the baseline, even though the statistical difference was not significant (p = .226). Life quality and fatigue were improved at week 12 compared to the baseline (all p = .000). There was no serious adverse events were observed. SV safely and effectively controlled resistant hypertension and improved MW as well as life quality in hemodialysis patients.

A Comparison of Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

The high prevalence of cardiovascular disease is caused by the traditional cardiovascular risk factors common among end-stage renal disease patients, and nontraditional risk factors attributed to underlying kidney disease, including chronic inflammation, anemia, bone mineral disease, and the dialysis procedure itself. Individualization of the treatment of cardiovascular disease in end-stage renal disease that could impact the underlying mechanisms of the cardiovascular diseases is important to improve outcomes. This article reviews and compares hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in association with different cardiovascular diseases affecting dialysis patients, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, myocardial stunning, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and the cardiorenal syndrome.

Blood Pressure Control and Antihypertensive Treatment among Hemodialysis Patients-Retrospective Single Center Experience

Background and Objectives: Hypertension affects at least 80% of hemodialysis patients. Inappropriate control of blood pressure is mentioned as one of the essential cardiovascular risk factors associated with development of cardiovascular events in dialysis populations. The aim of the cross-sectional, retrospective study was the evaluation of the antihypertensive treatment schedule and control of blood pressure in relation to the guidelines in the group of hemodialysis patients. Additionally, we assessed the level of decrease in blood pressure by each group of hypotensive agents. Materials and Methods: 222 patients hemodialyzed in a single Dialysis Unit in three distinct periods of time—2006, 2011, and 2016—with a diagnosis of hypertension were enrolled in the study. The analysis of the antihypertensive treatment was based on the medical files and it consisted of a comparison of the mean blood pressure results reported during the six consecutive hemodialysis sessions. Results: The mean values of blood pressure before hemodialysis were as follows: 134/77, 130/74, and 140/76 mmHg, after hemodialysis 124/74, 126/73, and 139/77 mmHg in 2006, 2011, and 2016 respectively. The goal of predialysis blood pressure control (<140/90) was achieved by up to 64.3% of participants in 2006 as compared to 49.4% in 2016. Additionally, the postdialysis goal (<130/90) reached 57.1% of the study population in 2006 as compared to 27.1% of patients in 2016. The differences in percentage of patients using single, double, triple, and multidrug therapy during observation were not statistically significant. The most often used drugs were ß-blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers in all points of the study. Blockades of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system in 2006 and calcium channel blockers in 2011 and 2016 were the drugs with highest impact on lowering blood pressure. Conclusions: The goal of predialysis or postdialysis blood pressure control was achieved in a lower percentage of patients during the period of the study. Blockade of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and calcium channel blockers decrease the blood pressure significantly. It is necessary to achieve better control of blood pressure in prevention of cardiovascular incidents.

Association of all-cause mortality with pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure and its peridialytic change in chronic hemodialysis patients

Background

Pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure (pre-HD SBP) and peridialytic SBP change have been associated with morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients in previous studies, but the nature of their interaction is not well understood.

Methods

We analyzed pre-HD SBP and peridialytic SBP change (calculated as post-HD SBP minus pre-HD SBP) between January 2001 and December 2012 in HD patients treated in US Fresenius Medical Care facilities. The baseline period was defined as Months 4–6 after HD initiation, and all-cause mortality was noted during follow-up. Only patients who survived baseline and had no missing covariates were included. Censoring events were renal transplantation, modality change or study end. We fitted a Cox proportional hazard model with a bivariate spline functions for the primary predictors (pre-HD SBP and peridialytic SBP change) with adjustment for age, gender, race, diabetes, access-type, relative interdialytic weight gain, body mass index, albumin, equilibrated normalized protein catabolic rate and ultrafiltration rate.

Results

A total of 172 199 patients were included. Mean age was 62.1 years, 61.6% were white and 55% were male. During a median follow-up of 25.0 months, 73 529 patients (42.7%) died. We found that a peridialytic SBP rise combined with high pre-HD SBP was associated with higher mortality. In contrast, when concurrent with low pre-HD SBP, a peridialytic SBP rise was associated with better survival.

Conclusion

The association of pre-HD and peridialytic SBP change with mortality is complex. Our findings call for a joint, not isolated, interpretation of pre-HD SBP and peridialytic SBP change.

Antihypertensive Therapy in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Narrative Review of the Available Clinical-Trial Evidence

BACKGROUND

Blood pressure (BP)-lowering with the use of antihypertensive drugs appears to protect the cardiovascular (CV) system in hemodialysis patients. However, the optimal treatment algorithm of hypertension remains elusive; extrapolation of clinical-trial evidence from the general population may not be optimal.

METHODS

For this narrative review, we searched the Medline/PubMed database (inception to August 01, 2019) to identify randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs on CV outcomes and mortality in patients on hemodialysis.

RESULTS

Randomized trials with angiotensin-converting-enzyme-inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensinreceptor- blockers (ARBs) failed to provide consistent cardioprotection. β-blockers may provide a more consistent CV benefit. Although some early clinical trials have shown that mineralocorticoid-receptorantagonists (MRAs) reduce CV mortality, the associated risk of hyperkalemia raises important safety concerns on the use of MRAs as add-on therapy.

CONCLUSION

Our first-line therapy of hypertension in hemodialysis is the assessment and management of dry-weight and optimization of dialysis prescription. Based on the available clinical-trial evidence, we prescribe atenolol 3 times/week after dialysis as the first-line pharmacological option of hypertension to our patients without specific indications for other agents. Long-acting dihydropyridines and ACEIs/ARBs are our second-line and third-line choices, respectively. We avoid using MRAs and await results from ongoing trials testing their safety and efficacy. In patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis, randomized trials are clearly warranted in order to define BP targets and the comparative effectiveness of different antihypertensive drugs.

Usefulness of ABPM and bioimpedance for the treatment and control of hypertension in patients on chronic haemodialysis

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is very common in haemodialysis (HD) patients, and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. The goals of our research were to: 1. Measure blood pressure (BP) during HD sessions; 2. Study BP in between HD sessions with 44-h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM); 3. Evaluate changes in treatment after the ABPM; 4. Perform bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) on all patients and, in those hyper-hydrated or hypertensive according to ABPM, assess for changes in BP after adjusting the dry weight; 5. Identify factors associated with average systolic and diastolic BP measured by ABPM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective observational study, which included 100 patients from our dialysis unit. We measured BP before and after the HD sessions for two weeks and then, mid-week, we attached the ABPM device to the patients for 44 h. Before starting the following dialysis session, we performed BIS. A second ABPM was performed on hyper-hydrated patients and patients hypertensive according to ABPM to evaluate changes in BP values.

RESULTS

According to the ABPM, 65% of patients had daytime BP > 135/85 mmHg, 90% night-time BP > 120/70 mmHg and 76% average BP > 130/80 mmHg; 11% had a dipper pattern, 51% non-dipper and 38% riser. The average systolic and diastolic BP readings were 4.7 mmHg (3.8%) and 1.1 mmHg (1.64%) higher on the second day. The dose of antihypertensive medication had to be lowered in 6% of patients, 9% had to stop taking it, 28% needed increased doses and 17% had to add a new drug. The pre-HD diastolic BP best matched the ABPM. After performing the bioimpedance and adjusting dry weight, there was a statistically significant decrease in all BP values. The univariate analysis showed that the average systolic BP was higher in patients with a high-calcium dialysis bath, more antihypertensive drugs and higher doses of EPO. The multivariate analysis showed significant association for EPO and number of drugs (p < 0.01). The average diastolic BP was higher in younger patients and patients with lower Charlson index, lower body mass index and less diuresis, those on higher doses of EPO and non-diabetics. The linear regression study showed age (p < 0.005), body mass index (p < 0.03) and EPO (p < 0.03) as significant variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows: 1. The variability of hypertension criteria according to use of BP values from during the HD session or ABPM; 2. The variability of BP in the interdialysis period; 3. That the pre-dialysis diastolic BP best corresponds with the ABPM. 4. That the use of both BIS and ABPM improves the control of BP; 5. That the dose of EPO is the most important factor associated with hypertension in our patients.

Acquired long QT syndrome in chronic kidney disease patients

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. QT interval prolongation is a congenital or acquired condition that is associated with an increased risk of torsade de pointes (TdP), sudden cardiac death (SCD), and all-cause mortality in the general population. The prevalence of acquired long QT syndrome (aLQTS) is high, and various acquired conditions contribute to the prolonged QT interval in patients with CKD. More notably, the prolonged QT interval in CKD is an independent risk factor for SCD and all-cause mortality. In this review, we focus on the epidemiological characteristics, risk factors, underlying mechanisms and treatments of aLQTS in CKD, promoting the management of aLQTS in CKD patients.

Prevalence and control of hypertension among patients on haemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Earlier studies provided considerably variable estimates on the prevalence and control rates of hypertension in haemodialysis because of their heterogeneity in definitions and blood pressure (BP) measurement techniques applied to detect hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 116 clinically stable haemodialysis patients from 3 dialysis centres of Northern Greece underwent home BP monitoring for 1 week with the validated automatic device HEM-705 (Omron, Healthcare). Routine BP recordings taken before and after dialysis over 6 consecutive sessions were also prospectively collected and averaged. Hypertension was defined as: (a) 1-week averaged home BP ≥ 135/85 mm Hg; (b) 2-week averaged predialysis BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg; and (c) 2-week averaged postdialysis BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg. Participants on treatment with ≥1 antihypertensives were also classified as hypertensives.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hypertension was 88.8% by home, 86.2% by predialysis and 91.4% by postdialysis BP recordings. In all, 96 participants (82.7%) were being treated with an average of 2.0 ± 1.1 antihypertensive medications. Among drug-treated participants, 32.6% were controlled by home, 50.5% by predialysis and 45.3% by postdialysis BP recordings. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, greater use of antihypertensive medications and postdialysis overhydration, assessed with bioimpedance spectroscopy, were both independently associated with higher odds of inadequate home BP control.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the prevalence, but mainly the control rates of hypertension in patients on haemodialysis, differs between peridialytic and interdialytic BP recordings. Therefore, the wider use of home BP monitoring may improve the determination of BP control status in this high-risk population.

Usefulness of ABPM and bioimpedance for the treatment and control of hypertension in patients on chronic haemodialysis

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is very common in haemodialysis (HD) patients, and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. The goals of our research were to: 1. Measure blood pressure (BP) during HD sessions; 2. Study BP in between HD sessions with 44-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM); 3. Identify differences between the BP recorded during HD and with the ABPM; 4. Evaluate changes in treatment after the ABPM; 5. Perform bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) on all patients and, in those hyper-hydrated or hypertensive according to ABPM, assess for changes in BP after adjusting the dry weight; 6. Identify factors associated with average systolic and diastolic BP measured by ABPM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective observational study, which included 100 patients from our dialysis unit. We measured BP before and after the HD sessions for two weeks and then, mid-week, we attached the ABPM device to the patients for 44 hours. Before starting the following dialysis session, we performed BIS. A second ABPM was performed on hyper-hydrated patients and patients hypertensive according to ABPM to evaluate changes in BP values.

RESULTS

According to the ABPM, 65% of patients had daytime BP > 135/85 mmHg, 90% night-time BP > 120/70 mmHg and 76% average BP > 130/80 mmHg; 11% had a dipper pattern, 51% non-dipper and 38% riser. The average systolic and diastolic BP readings were 4.7 mmHg (3.8%) and 1.1 mmHg (1.64%) higher on the second day. The dose of antihypertensive medication had to be lowered in 6% of patients, 9% had to stop taking it, 28% needed increased doses and 17% had to add a new drug. The pre-HD diastolic BP best matched the ABPM. After performing the bioimpedance and adjusting dry weight, there was a statistically significant decrease in all BP values. The univariate analysis showed that the average systolic BP was higher in patients with a high-calcium dialysis bath, more antihypertensive drugs and higher doses of EPO. The multivariate analysis showed significant association for EPO and number of drugs (p < 0.01). The average diastolic BP was higher in younger patients and patients with lower Charlson index, lower body mass index and less diuresis, those on higher doses of EPO and non-diabetics. The linear regression study showed age (p < 0.005), body mass index (p < 0.03) and EPO (p < 0.03) as significant variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows: 1. The variability of hypertension criteria according to use of BP values from during the HD session or ABPM; 2. The variability of BP in the interdialysis period; 3. That the pre-dialysis diastolic BP best corresponds with the ABPM. 4. That the use of both BIS and ABPM improves the control of BP; 5. That the dose of EPO is the most important factor associated with hypertension in our patients.

Blood pressure targets and pharmacotherapy for hypertensive patients on hemodialysis

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is highly prevalent in patients with end-stage kidney disease on hemodialysis and is often not well controlled. Blood pressure (BP) levels before and after hemodialysis have a U-shaped relationship with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Although antihypertensive drugs are recommended for patients in whom BP cannot be controlled appropriately by non-pharmacological interventions, large-scale randomized controlled clinical trials are lacking.

AREAS COVERED

The authors review the pharmacotherapy used in hypertensive patients on dialysis, primarily focusing on reports published since 2000. An electronic search of MEDLINE was conducted using relevant key search terms, including 'hypertension', 'pharmacotherapy', 'dialysis', 'kidney disease', and 'antihypertensive drug'. Systematic and narrative reviews and original investigations were retrieved in our research.

EXPERT OPINION

When a drug is administered to patients on dialysis, the comorbidities and characteristics of each drug, including its dialyzability, should be considered. Pharmacological lowering of BP in hypertensive patients on hemodialysis is associated with improvements in mortality. β-blockers should be considered first-line agents and calcium channel blockers as second-line therapy. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors have not shown superiority to other antihypertensive drugs for patients on hemodialysis.

Fluid overload is associated with use of a higher number of antihypertensive drugs in hemodialysis patients

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is multifactorial, highly prevalent in the hemodialysis (HD) population and its adequate control requires, in addition to adequate volume management, often the use of multiple antihypertensive drugs. We aimed to describe the use of antihypertensive agents in a group of HD patients and to evaluate the factors associated with the use of multiple classes (≥3) of antihypertensives.

METHODS

We analyzed the baseline data from the HDFit study. Clinically stable patients with HD vintage between 3 and 24 months without any severe mobility limitation were recruited from sites throughout southern Brazil. Fluid status was measured pre-dialysis with the Body Composition Monitor (BCM; Fresenius, Germany). Fluid overload (FO) was considered when the overhydration index (OH) was greater than 7% of extracellular water (OH/ECW > 7%) and overweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m² . Prescriptions of antihypertensive drugs were obtained from participants' reports and medical records. Logistic regression was employed to determine factors associated with excessive use of antihypertensive medication (≥3 classes).

FINDINGS

Of 195 studied patients, 171 with complete data were included (70% male, 53 ± 15 years old, 57% of them with FO). Pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 150 ± 24 mmHg and patients used a median of 2 (1-3) antihypertensive drugs. Vasodilators (20%) were of lowest prevalence, use of other classes varied from 40% to 53%. Sixty-two (36%) subjects used ≥3 classes and presented a higher prevalence of diabetes and FO, lower prevalence of overweight, and higher SBP. In a logistic regression model age, BMI <25 kg/m² , and OH/ECW > 7% were associated with excessive drug use.

DISCUSSION

More than one-third of participants used ≥3 classes of antihypertensive drugs, and it was associated with older age, BMI <25 kg/m² and FO. Strategies that better manage FO may aid better blood pressure control and avoid the use of multiple antihypertensive medications.

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.

Clinic and Home Blood Pressure Monitoring for the Detection of Ambulatory Hypertension Among Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis

The International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis recommends that adequate blood pressure (BP) assessment among patients on peritoneal dialysis should at least include measurements performed once-weekly at home and at each visit at clinic. However, the quality of evidence to support this guidance is suboptimal. Using ambulatory daytime BP as reference standard, we explored the diagnostic performance of clinic and home BP recordings in a cohort of 81 stable patients receiving peritoneal dialysis. BP was recorded using 3 different methodologies: (1) triplicate automated clinic BP recordings after a 5-minute seated rest with the validated monitor HEM 705 CP (Omron Healthcare); (2) 1-week averaged home BP recorded with a validated automated monitor on awaking and at bedtime; and (3) ambulatory BP monitoring with the Mobil-O-Graph device (IEM, Germany). The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic curves in detection of ambulatory daytime systolic BP (SBP) ≥135 mm Hg was similar for clinic [area under the curve, 0.859; 95% CI, 0.776-0.941] and home SBP (area under the curve, 0.895; 95% CI, 0.815-0.976). In Bland-Altman analysis, clinic SBP overestimated daytime ambulatory SBP by 5.02 mm Hg with 95% limits of agreement ranging from -17.92 to 27.96 mm Hg. Similarly, home SBP overestimated daytime ambulatory SBP by 4.23 mm Hg, again with wide 95% limits of agreement (-16.05 to 24.51 mm Hg). These results show that 1-week averaged home SBP is of at least similar accuracy with standardized clinic SBP in diagnosing hypertension confirmed by ambulatory BP monitoring among patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Effectiveness of self-management support in maintenance haemodialysis patients with hypertension: A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial

AIM

Uncontrolled hypertension is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is the leading cause of mortality in haemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of self-management support (SMS) for blood pressure (BP) control and health behaviours.

METHODS

We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which 90 adult haemodialysis patients were assigned to either an SMS or common intervention (CI) group. The SMS group received an intervention consisting of self-management education and motivational interviewing. The CI group received standard care and routine health education. The primary outcome was the BP monitored before each haemodialysis. Secondary outcomes included salt intake (measured using a balance formula), home BP monitoring (HBPM) (assessed using two self-administered questions), and medication adherence (measured using the Medication-taking Behavior Scale). Data were collected at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months post-intervention.

RESULTS

The SMS group showed continuous reductions in systolic BP from baseline: -9.2, -8.7, and -8.4 mmHg at 1, 3 and 6 months after the intervention, respectively (P < 0.01). Compared with the CI group, the SMS group had a greater decrease in systolic BP at 1 month: -5.9 mmHg (P = 0.0388), but no significant difference was found at 3 or 6 months (P > 0.05). SMS patients showed an improvement in health behaviours relative to baseline (less salt intake, more consistent HBPM, and greater medication adherence) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-management support obtained short-term success in improving salt restriction, regular performance of HBPM and medication adherence, which led to better BP control.

Relation of Race, Apparent Disability, and Stroke Risk With Warfarin Prescribing for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis

Little is known about how warfarin is prescribed for stroke prevention in maintenance dialysis patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). We examined patterns of warfarin use, and associated factors, after AF diagnosis. This retrospective cohort analysis studied US Medicare patients receiving maintenance dialysis January 1, 2008, to June 30, 2010. Demographics, co-morbidity, and a durable medical equipment claims-based disability proxy score predicted warfarin prescription after AF diagnosis. The analysis included 8,964 patients with nonvalvular AF. Compared with nonusers, warfarin users were younger (age 65.4 ± 12.1 vs 67.0 ± 12.9 years) and more likely to be men (54.3% vs 52.8%) and of white race (64.0% vs 59.6%). After adjustment for other factors, nonwhite, versus white, race was associated with significantly less warfarin use within 30 days: odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were 0.80, 0.71 to 91, for black patients; 0.57, 0.43 to 0.76, for Asians; and 0.74, 0.49 to 1.12, for members of other races. Percentages of patients receiving warfarin decreased as Hypertension Abnormal renal and liver function Stroke-Bleeding Labile INR Elderly Drugs or alcohol (HAS-BLED) bleeding risk score increased (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.92, HAS-BLED score 3 to 4 versus 2; 0.38, 0.26 to 0.57, score ≥ 5 vs 2). However, as CHA2DS2-Vasc stroke-risk score increased, warfarin use tended to decrease (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.03, p = 0.13, CHA2DS2-Vasc score 4 versus 1 to 3; 0.69, 0.61 to 0.78, p < 0.0001, score 5 vs 1 to 3). In conclusion, providers appear to weigh bleeding risk more heavily than stroke-prevention potential when prescribing warfarin for maintenance dialysis patients. Racial minorities received warfarin substantially less often than whites, even after accounting for other factors.

Antihypertensive Agents in the Dialysis Patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hypertension and antihypertensive drug utilization are remarkably prevalent in ESRD patients. Management of blood pressure elevation in this population is complicated by many factors, including a multidimensional etiology, challenges in obtaining accurate and appropriately timed blood pressure measurements, highly specific drug dosing requirements, and a paucity of outcomes-based evidence to guide management decisions. The purpose of this review is to summarize and apply knowledge from existing clinical trials to enhance safe and effective use of antihypertensive agents in dialysis patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Two meta-analyses have established the benefit of antihypertensive therapy in ESRD. Data supporting the use of one antihypertensive class over another is less robust; however, beta-blockers have more clearly demonstrated improved cardiovascular outcomes in prospective randomized trials. Interdialytic home blood pressure monitoring has been demonstrated to be better associated with cardiovascular outcomes than clinic pre- or post-dialysis readings and should ideally be considered as a routine part of blood pressure management in this population. As data from small trials provides limited guidance for the management of hypertension in ESRD, more research is needed to guide medication selection and utilization. Specifically, large prospective randomized trails comparing cardiovascular outcomes of various medication classes and differing blood pressure targets are needed.

Individualized Hemodialysis Treatment: A Perspective on Residual Kidney Function and Precision Medicine in Nephrology

Background: Residual kidney function (RKF) is often expected to inevitably and rapidly decline among hemodialysis patients and, hence, has been inadvertently ignored in clinical practice. The importance of RKF has been revisited in some recent studies. Given that patients with end-stage renal disease now tend to initiate maintenance hemodialysis therapy with higher RKF levels, there seem to be important opportunities for incremental hemo­dialysis by individualizing the dose and frequency according to their RKF levels. This approach is realigned with precision medicine and patient-centeredness. Summary: In this article, we first review the available methods to estimate RKF among hemodialysis patients. We then discuss the importance of maintaining and monitoring RKF levels based on a variety of clinical aspects, including volume overload, blood pressure control, mineral and bone metabolism, nutrition, and patient survival. We also review several potential measures to protect RKF: the use of high-flux and biocompatible membranes, the use of ultrapure dialysate, the incorporation of hemodiafiltration, incremental hemodialysis, and a low-protein diet, as well as general care such as avoiding nephrotoxic events, maintaining appropriate blood pressure, and better control of mineral and bone disorder parameters. Key Message: Individualized hemodialysis regimens may maintain RKF, lead to a better quality of life without compromising long-term survival, and ensure precision medicine and patient-centeredness in nephrology practice.

Clinical Pharmacology of Antihypertensive Therapy for the Treatment of Hypertension in CKD

CKD is common and frequently complicated with hypertension both predialysis and in ESKD. As a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in this high-risk population, treatment of hypertension in CKD is important. We review the mechanisms and indications for the major classes of antihypertensive drugs, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, β-adrenergic blocking agents, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics, mineralocorticoid receptor blockers, direct vasodilators, and centrally acting α-agonists. Recent evidence suggests that β-adrenergic blocking agents may have a greater role in patients on dialysis and that thiazide diuretics may have a greater role in patients with advanced CKD. We conclude with sharing our general prescribing algorithm for both patients with predialysis CKD and patients with ESKD on dialysis.

Blood pressure control in conventional hemodialysis

Hypertension among patients on hemodialysis is common, difficult to diagnose and often inadequately controlled. Although specific blood pressure (BP) targets in this particular population are not yet established, meta-analyses of randomized trials showed that deliberate BP-lowering with antihypertensive drugs improves clinical outcomes in hemodialysis patients. BP-lowering in these individuals should initially utilize nonpharmacological strategies aiming to control sodium and volume overload. Accordingly, restricting dietary sodium intake, eliminating intradialytic sodium gain via individualized dialysate sodium prescription, optimally assessing and managing dry-weight and providing a sufficient duration of dialysis are first-line treatment considerations to control BP. If BP remains uncontrolled despite the adequate management of volume, antihypertensive therapy is the next consideration. Contrary to nonhemodialysis populations, emerging clinical-trial evidence suggests that among those on hemodialysis, β-blockers are more effective than agents blocking the renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) in reducing BP levels and protecting from serious adverse cardiovascular complications. Accordingly, β-blockade is our first-line approach in pharmacotherapy of hypertension. Long-acting calcium-channel-blockers and RAS-blockers are our next considerations, taking into account the comorbidities and the overall risk profile of each individual patient. Additional research efforts, mainly randomized trials, are clearly warranted in order to elucidate aspects of management that remain elusive in hypertensive dialysis patients.

Intravascular Renal Denervation in Renal Dialysis Patients with Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Case Series of Four Patients

Case series

Patient: Male, 24 • Female, 55 • Female, 56 • Male, 72

Final Diagnosis: Hypertension

Symptoms: Dyspnea

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Intravascular renal denervation

Specialty: Cardiology

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

Background

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.

Methods

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.

Results

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 &lt;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.

Conclusions

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.

Safety and Efficacy of Losartan 50 mg in Reducing Blood Pressure among Patients with Post-Dialysis Euvolemic Hypertension: A Randomized Control Trial

The aim of current study was to assess the effectiveness of losartan 50 mg in reducing blood pressure among post-dialysis euvolemic hypertensive patients, observing their survival trends and adverse events during the course of study. A multicentre, prospective, randomised, single-blind trial was conducted to assess the effect of losartan 50 mg every other day (EOD), once a morning (OM) among post-dialysis euvolemic hypertensive patients. Post-dialysis euvolemic assessment was done by a body composition monitor (BCM). Covariate Adaptive Randomization was used for allocation of participants to the standard or intervention arm. Of the total 229 patients, 96 (41.9%) were identified as post-dialysis euvolemic hypertensive. Final samples of 88 (40.1%) patients were randomized into standard and intervention arms. After follow-up of 12 months’ pre-dialysis systolic (p < 0.001) and diastolic (p 0.01), intradialysis diastolic (p 0.02), post-dialysis systolic (p < 0.001) and diastolic (p < 0.001) blood pressure was reduced from the baseline among intervention-arm patients Compared to only pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure (p 0.003) among standard arm patients after 12 months of follow. Total of six deaths were reported among standard-arm patients compared to 2 deaths among the intervention arm. Losartan 50 mg achieve an overall significant decline in blood pressure among post-dialysis euvolemic hypertensive patients.

Hypertension in dialysis patients: a consensus document by the European Renal and Cardiovascular Medicine (EURECA-m) working group of the European Renal Association - European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) and the Hypertension and the Kidney working group of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH)

In patients with end-stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, hypertension is very common and often poorly controlled. Blood pressure (BP) recordings obtained before or after hemodialysis display a J-shaped or U-shaped association with cardiovascular events and survival, but this most likely reflects the low accuracy of these measurements and the peculiar hemodynamic setting related with dialysis treatment. Elevated BP by home or ambulatory BP monitoring is clearly associated with shorter survival. Sodium and volume excess is the prominent mechanism of hypertension in dialysis patients, but other pathways, such as arterial stiffness, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems, endothelial dysfunction, sleep apnea and the use of erythropoietin-stimulating agents may also be involved. Nonpharmacologic interventions targeting sodium and volume excess are fundamental for hypertension control in this population. If BP remains elevated after appropriate treatment of sodium-volume excess, the use of antihypertensive agents is necessary. Drug treatment in the dialysis population should take into consideration the patient's comorbidities and specific characteristics of each agent, such as dialysability. This document is an overview of the diagnosis, epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment of hypertension in patients on dialysis, aiming to offer the renal physician practical recommendations based on current knowledge and expert opinion and to highlight areas for future research.

Volume Balance and Intradialytic Ultrafiltration Rate in the Hemodialysis Patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Volume management in hemodialysis patients is often challenging. Assessing volume status and deciding how much fluid to remove during hemodialysis, the so-called ultrafiltration rate (UFR), has remained a conundrum.

RECENT FINDINGS

To date there is no objective assessment tool to determine the needed UFR during each hemodialysis session. Higher volume overload or higher UFR is associated with poor outcomes including worse mortality and unfavorable clinical outcomes. We suggest combined use of the following criteria to determine UFR or post-dialysis target dry weight: pre-hemodialysis blood pressure and its intradialytic changes, muscle cramps, dyspnea from pulmonary vascular congestion, peripheral edema, tachycardia or palpitation, headache or lightheadedness, perspiration, and post-dialysis fatigue. Restricting fluid and salt intake-and high-dose loop diuretic use in cases of residual kidney function-can be helpful in controlling fluid gains. More frequent and more severe hypotensive episodes are associated with poor outcomes including higher death risk.

Night-time blood pressure and pulse wave velocity in dialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) provide important cardiovascular risk information for dialysis patients. This study aims to evaluate the risk factors of cfPWV and the associations between ambulatory blood pressure, especially night-time blood pressure and cfPWV.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. ABP and cfPWV were measured on a midweek interdialytic day. Associations were determined using Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression model.

RESULTS

Systolic BPs and pulse pressures, but not diastolic BPs, were significantly and positively associated with cfPWV. In a stepwise regression model, age, diabetes mellitus and all-period systolic BP were independently associated with cfPWV. When day-time and night-time BPs were included in the analysis, respectively, only night-time systolic BP and age remained as independently associated with cfPWV.

CONCLUSION

Ambulatory BPs are potent associates of cfPWV and night-time systolic BP, rather than day-time BPs, is an independently predictor of cfPWV. Our results support the view that controlling of nocturnal hypertension provides a unique cardiovascular protection effect.

Setting the dry weight and its cardiovascular implications

Volume overload is common and associated with adverse outcomes in the hemodialysis population including systemic hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and mortality. Since the beginning of the era of maintenance dialysis, prescribing and maintaining a dry weight remains the standard of care for managing volume overload on hemodialysis. Reducing dry weight even by relatively small amounts has been shown to improve blood pressure and has been associated with reductions in left ventricular hypertrophy. Maintaining an adequately low dry weight requires attention to sodium intake and adequate time on dialysis, as well as a high index of suspicion for volume overload. Reducing dry weight can provoke decreased cardiac chamber filling and is associated with risks including intradialytic hypotension. The ideal method to minimize intradialytic morbidity is unknown, but more frequent dialysis should be considered. Experimental methods of assessing volume status may allow identification of patients most likely both to tolerate and to benefit from dry weight reduction, but further study is needed.

Hypertension in dialysis patients: a consensus document by the European Renal and Cardiovascular Medicine (EURECA-m) working group of the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) and the Hypertension and the Kidney working group of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH)

In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, hypertension is common and often poorly controlled. Blood pressure (BP) recordings obtained before or after haemodialysis display a J- or U-shaped association with cardiovascular events and survival, but this most likely reflects the low accuracy of these measurements and the peculiar haemodynamic setting related to dialysis treatment. Elevated BP detected by home or ambulatory BP monitoring is clearly associated with shorter survival. Sodium and volume excess is the prominent mechanism of hypertension in dialysis patients, but other pathways, such as arterial stiffness, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems, endothelial dysfunction, sleep apnoea and the use of erythropoietin-stimulating agents may also be involved. Non-pharmacologic interventions targeting sodium and volume excess are fundamental for hypertension control in this population. If BP remains elevated after appropriate treatment of sodium and volume excess, the use of antihypertensive agents is necessary. Drug treatment in the dialysis population should take into consideration the patient's comorbidities and specific characteristics of each agent, such as dialysability. This document is an overview of the diagnosis, epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment of hypertension in patients on dialysis, aiming to offer the renal physician practical recommendations based on current knowledge and expert opinion and to highlight areas for future research.

Hypertension in the Hemodialysis Patient

Hypertension is common yet difficult to manage in the hemodialysis patients population. This chapter discusses various aspects of this problem including its prevalence, distinctive pathophysiology, methods of diagnosis and pharmacological and non pharmacological treatment approaches. The topic is relevant to any health care provider taking care of hemodialysis patients.

Pharmacotherapy of Hypertension in Chronic Dialysis Patients

Among patients on dialysis, hypertension is highly prevalent and contributes to the high burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Strict volume control via sodium restriction and probing of dry weight are first-line approaches for the treatment of hypertension in this population; however, antihypertensive drug therapy is often needed to control BP. Few trials compare head-to-head the superiority of one antihypertensive drug class over another with respect to improving BP control or altering cardiovascular outcomes; accordingly, selection of the appropriate antihypertensive regimen should be individualized. To individualize therapy, consideration should be given to intra- and interdialytic pharmacokinetics, effect on cardiovascular reflexes, ability to treat comorbid illnesses, and adverse effect profile. β-Blockers followed by dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers are our first- and second-line choices for antihypertensive drug use. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers seem to be reasonable third-line choices, because the evidence base to support their use in patients on dialysis is sparse. Add-on therapy with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in specific subgroups of patients on dialysis (i.e., those with severe congestive heart failure) seems to be another promising option in anticipation of the ongoing trials evaluating their efficacy and safety. Adequately powered, multicenter, randomized trials evaluating hard cardiovascular end points are urgently warranted to elucidate the comparative effectiveness of antihypertensive drug classes in patients on dialysis. In this review, we provide an overview of the randomized evidence on pharmacotherapy of hypertension in patients on dialysis, and we conclude with suggestions for future research to address critical gaps in this important area.