Intermittent pneumatic compression in patients with ESRD. A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Medical Devices

Background:

• End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients frequently experience hemodialysis (HD) complications.
• Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) affects 20-50% of HD sessions, with current interventions having side effects.
• Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is a potential intervention for IDH and other conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review clinical evidence on the circulatory benefits and safety of IPC in HD patients.
• To assess IPC's efficacy in preventing intradialytic hypotension (IDH).
• To evaluate secondary outcomes including HD comfort and physical activity.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of observational and interventional studies.
• Inclusion of seven studies, with five focusing on IDH.
• Two reviewers conducted study screening and quality assessment.

Main Results:

• IPC showed a reduction in IDH rates in one randomized trial (24% with IPC vs. 43% no intervention).
• Smaller studies supported these findings.
• All included studies had a high risk of bias.

Conclusions:

• IPC may benefit HD patients by preventing IDH and improving comfort and physical capacity.
• Results should be interpreted cautiously due to study limitations.
• Further high-quality research is warranted to confirm IPC's efficacy and safety.