Effects Of Volume Control Guided By Bioimpedance Spectroscopy On Blood Pressure And Cardiac Condition In Hemodialysis Patients

The proposed prospective, randomized, controlled study intends to document the effect of volume control guided by BCM on blood pressure (determined both manually and 48-h ambulatory), need for anti-hypertensive medication, intra-dialytic complications, and left ventricular geometry and functions assessed by echocardiography. One hundred and seventy-six prevalent HD patients will be randomized into two arms: study group and control group.

In the study group, "overhydration (OH) in liters" will be estimated with the BCM (Body Composition Monitor, Fresenius Medical Care, Deutschland GmbH)at least once a month before a dialysis session in order to determine dry weight.

1. If OH is positive value, we will try to reach dry weight by ultrafiltration without regard to the level of blood pressure.
2. If OH is negative value , and:

• Systolic blood pressure is < 100 mmHg with/or intradialytic hypotension episodes and/or clothing and/or erythrocytosis ( htc> 36 %); we will increase dry weight accordingly.
• Systolic blood pressure is normal (100-150 mmHg) without intradialytic hypotension episodes and clothing and erythrocytosis; we will not change dry weight.
• Systolic blood pressure normal (100-150 mmHg) with intradialytic hypotension episodes and/or clothing and/or erythrocytosis; we will increase dry weight.
• Systolic blood pressure> 150 mmHg we will perform a captopril test (CT) If the CT is positive we will use ACE inhibitors / ARBs as anti hypertensive drugs and dry weight will be increased if intradialytic hypotension episodes and/or clothing and/or erythrocytosis ( htc> 36 %) are also present

If the CT is negative we will repeat the BCM measurement and if it gives same results we will perform ABPM for confirmation.