Cardiovascular disease in waitlisted hemodialyzed patients

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major limitations in the evaluation of potential kidney transplantation. The study aimed to assess cardiovascular status, including cardiovascular risk factors in waitlisted hemodialyzed patients.

From the population of 5,068 hemodialyzed patients (60% men), we included 449 waitlisted and 4,619 not considered for potential kidney transplantation. We assessed demographic data, basal biochemical data, and cardiovascular disease prevalence.

Waitlisted patients (262 males) were significantly younger when compared to non-listed patients (2,718 males); 53.2 ± 14.2 vs. 67.2 ± 3.3 years (p < 0.001), had lower Charlson comorbidity score (3.33 ± 1.52 vs. 4.42 ± 1.93, p < 0.001), lower BMI (26.3±.5.07 vs. 27.7 ± 6.15 kg/m², p < 0.001), with lower prevalence of cardiovascular disease (46.5% vs. 66.8%, p < 0.001), diabetes (20.5% vs. 37,8%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of hypertension was similar in both groups (94.7% vs. 92.7%, NS). Blood pressure was significantly higher in waitlisted patients relative to non-waitlisted (143 ± 16 mmHg vs. 140 ± 17 mm Hg, p < 0.001 for systolic blood pressure and 80 ± 9 mmHg vs. 75 ± 9 mmHg, p < 0.001 for diastolic blood pressure). Ultrafiltration was also higher in waitlisted population over non-waitlisted (31.3 ± 12.7 mL/kg per HD session vs. 28.4 ± 12.6 mL/kg per HD session, p < 0.001). Mean dialysis vintage, the mean number of hypotensive medications (mean 2.5), the prevalence of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension, and eKt/V were similar, as well as sex distribution.

Waitlisted patients are a much healthier population, with fewer comorbidities but blood pressure control not meeting target ranges for the present guidelines. The low number of hypotensive medications should be reassessed and the treatment of hypertension may require further attention.