Hemofiltration for the treatment of hypertensions associated with end-stage renal failure

Six patients with chronic renal failure and hypertension have been studied with a crossover protocol involving three months on hemodialysis followed by three months on predilution hemofiltration and concluded by a return to hemodialysis for three months. Half of the patients showed improved blood pressure control in the absence of measurable changes in plasma renin activity, blood volume, and body weight. A fall in dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity in the plasma and a reduction in the lability of blood pressure in these three patients suggest that improved blood pressure control is the result of improvement in the defective baroreceptor reflex noted to be present in patients mith chronic renal failure and hypertension.