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Published on: July 19, 2018
Hypertension in peritoneal dialysis patients: epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment
Luis M Ortega1, Barry J Materson
1Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33101, USA.
Insights
Hypertension is common in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, increasing cardiovascular risks. Managing fluid overload and preserving residual renal function (RRF) are key to controlling blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hypertension (HTN) affects 29%-80% of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.
- Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in PD patients.
- Volume overload and loss of residual renal function (RRF) contribute to HTN in PD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence and management of hypertension in PD patients.
- To discuss the physiological factors influencing blood pressure in PD.
- To outline therapeutic strategies for controlling HTN in this population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on hypertension in PD.
- Analysis of the role of peritoneal membrane physiology in fluid and solute transport.
- Examination of current antihypertensive treatment options for PD patients.
Main Results:
- Fluid overload due to high fluid intake and reduced RRF is a major driver of HTN.
- Noncompliance with salt restriction exacerbates weight gain and HTN.
- Peritoneal dialysis solutions, salt restriction, and antihypertensive medications are primary treatment modalities.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of volume status is crucial for HTN control in PD.
- Preserving RRF is vital for long-term volume management and blood pressure control.
- A multi-faceted approach including ultrafiltration, dietary modification, and pharmacotherapy is necessary.
Abstract:
Hypertension is prevalent in an estimated 29% to 80% of patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). Cardiovascular disease represents the most common cause of mortality in this population, and hypertension (HTN) plays an important role. Volume overload is prevalent in PD patients because of liberal intake of fluids and loss of residual renal function (RRF). Noncompliance with salt restriction causes weight gain and makes HTN more difficult to manage. Physiology of the peritoneal membrane and its transport characteristics governs the ultrafiltration rate and consequently both volume and HTN. Therapeutic options for blood pressure control are ultrafiltration through the osmotic or colloid osmotic effects of dialysis solutions, salt restriction, and the use of antihypertensive medications such as diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. Loop diuretics are used to maintain urine output in nonoliguric patients. Doses may exceed 250 mg of furosemide; ototoxicity is not problematic if blood levels are monitored carefully. Preservation of RRF is important for maintaining volume control and, thereby, control of HTN.
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