Clinical management of intradialytic hypotension: survey results

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is one of the most common complications of hemodialysis treatment. Incidence of IDH varies from 10% to 50% of hemodialysis treatments. Numerous publications address the pathophysiology, effect of frequent episodes, and clinical management of IDH, but no recent publication has studied how IDH is managed in dialysis clinics. Interviews and a mail survey were conducted to develop a better understanding of the clinical issues and concerns surrounding the management of hemodialysis patients who experience episodes of IDH. Results of the survey indicate that IDH is prevalent and that clinical management is protocol--driven and consistent with treatment recommendations in the literature.