Blood pressure rhythmicity in patients with end stage chronic kidney disease: bromocriptine effect

The aim of this paper was to characterize the blood pressure CR in patients with end stage chronic kidney disease (ESCKD) before and after treatment with bromocriptine compared to healthy volunteers.

Fifteen patients and nine healthy volunteers were included. Both groups underwent ambulatory 24 hours blood pressure (24 h ABPM). Patients received 2.5 mg every 8 hours of bromocriptine for eight weeks, at the end of the treatment 24 h ABPM was repeated; blood pressure CR was compared before and after treatment and with healthy volunteers. The CR was identified by the method of Cosinor.

64% of volunteers showed a 24 h CR, against 27% of patients (p < 0.05). After the treatment with bromocriptine 40% of patients showed RC 24 h. The mean arterial pressure decreased from 129 ± 1 mmHg to 106 ± 1 mmHg. A 12 h rhythm was identified in 45% of volunteers and 73% of patients before treatment (p < 0.05) against 60% at the end (p < 0.001), with no statistical difference with volunteers.

The CR in blood pressure is altered in ESCKD and could be restored with bromocriptine. 12 hours rhythmicity was identified predominantly in patients with ESCKD; this rhythm was also present in the healthy volunteers.