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Published on: September 11, 2018
Sympathetic hyperactivity influences chemosensor function in patients with end-stage renal disease
C Meyer1, P Schueller, J Balzer
1Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany. Christian.Meyer@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
Sympathetic hyperactivity in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) impairs chemosensory function. This study found reduced hyperoxic chemoreflex sensitivity (CHRS) in ESRD patients, linked to autonomic dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Research
Background:
- Autonomic neuropathy is prevalent in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), contributing to high cardiovascular mortality.
- Chemosensory function plays a critical role in regulating autonomic cardiovascular control and sympathetic tone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of sympathetic hyperactivity to altered chemosensory function in ESRD patients.
- To assess the impact of chemosensory deactivation on cardiovascular parameters in ESRD.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled crossover study involving 10 ESRD patients and 10 controls.
- Hyperoxic chemoreflex sensitivity (CHRS) was measured by assessing changes in heart rate and blood pressure during oxygen inhalation.
- Baseline sympathetic activity was evaluated using plasma catecholamine levels and 24-hour heart rate variability (HRV) parameters.
Main Results:
- ESRD patients exhibited increased plasma norepinephrine levels and decreased HRV parameters (SDNN, RMSSD, 24-h triangular index) compared to controls.
- Hyperoxic chemoreflex sensitivity (CHRS) was significantly impaired in ESRD patients (2.9 ms/mmHg) versus controls (7.9 ms/mmHg).
- Plasma norepinephrine, 24-h Triangular index, and RMSSD were identified as independent predictors of impaired CHRS.
Conclusions:
- Sympathetic hyperactivity is a key factor influencing chemosensory function in ESRD.
- The study demonstrates an impaired hyperoxic chemoreflex sensitivity (CHRS) in ESRD patients, linked to autonomic dysfunction.
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