| [ Summary ] |
Epidemiological evidence for adequate levels of blood pressure is scarce for dialysis patients. According to the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, the one year survival rate was best among patients with a systolic blood pressure of 160 - 180 mmHg. Similarly, survival rates were better in those with hypertension by 26 %. Phenomena, such as reverse epidemiology are seen in patients such as the elderly, or those with congestive heart failure, AIDS, or malignancies. The underlying etiologies are yet to be proven, but they may be related to malnutrition and chronic inflammation in dialysis patients. Currently, it is thought target blood pressure levels should be 140 / 90 mmHg at pre-dialysis sessions. Prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm recommendations, derived from the general population. |