Impact of Ultrafiltration Profiling Compared to Conventional Methods on Blood Pressure Regulation Among Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Background: Standard hemodialysis sessions pose challenges for patients due to fluctuations in blood pressure. Alternative strategies, such as ultrafiltration profiling, have been proposed as potentially more effective treatments. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ultrafiltration profiling compared to the conventional method on blood pressure regulation among hemodialysis patients. Methods: This study employed a pre-test and post-test design, involving a single group of 30 hemodialysis patients undergoing treatment at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Hamadan in 2022. The sampling method used was simple random sampling. The intervention consisted of three sessions using the routine method, followed by three sessions utilizing the ultrafiltration profile method, which employed an interval with a negative slope. Demographic and clinical information about the patients was recorded on a checklist. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements were taken before the commencement of hemodialysis, at 1-, 2-, and 3-hour intervals post-treatment initiation, and again 15 minutes after completing hemodialysis. Results: The mean blood pressure changes observed during dialysis stages increased with both methods; however, there was a significant difference between the methods (P < 0.001). Specifically, patients receiving the ultrafiltration profile method experienced significantly lower increases in blood pressure compared to those receiving the routine method. Conclusions: Based on the research results, integrating ultrafiltration profiling into hemodialysis can be regarded as an effective and viable strategy for enhancing blood pressure regulation in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that this approach be considered in hemodialysis programs as well.