Abstract:

Background: Intradialytic hypertension is among the common problems occurring as a complication of hemodialysis. It could be attributed by uncontrolled fluid intake during dialysis, low dry weight and use of dialyzable antihypertensives during dialysis therapy. Intradialytic hypertension is associated with fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart failure and stroke.

Objectives of the study: Was to determine prevalence, patterns and factors associated with high blood pressure during dialysis session. This was to help to establish measures against associated factors so as to prevent complications of Intradialytic hypertension.

Methodology: This study was a prospective cross-sectional study. The study included all CKD patients who were undergoing hemodialysis at Bugando Hospital. Data was collected through written questionnaires which required filling by each participant. Statistical data analysis was done using SPSS Software version 17.0 Data was summarized in form of proportions, frequent tables, bar and pie charts for categorical variables.

Results: It was seen that the prevalence of Intradialytic hypertension is 20.9% which is slightly higher compared to some studies. This increase in blood pressure is seen more during the third hour of dialysis 39(48.1%) compared to the first two hours 28(36.4%). This is attributed by rapid dialysis and high ultrafiltration rates also skipping doses of antihypertensives. Use of non-dialyzable antihypertensives such as hydralazine and Nifedipine are shown to after protection against increase blood pressure during dialysis.

Conclusion: Education to the patients attending dialysis is essential, clinicians should prescribe non-dialyzable antihypertensives to prevent elevated blood pressures during dialysis. Other studies should be done in order to determine the mortality rates attributed to Intradialytic hypertension.