Reducing intradialytic hypotension with intermittent pneumatic compression during haemodialysis: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) suffer from intradialytic hypotension (IDH), leading to a higher risk of mortality and hospitalization. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) may be a potential intervention to prevent a decrease in blood pressure during haemodialysis (HD). However, evidence about the effects of IPC on intradialytic haemodynamic changes in patients undergoing MHD is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of IPC on intradialytic haemodynamic changes in patients undergoing MHD. Methods In this randomized clinical trial, 30 patients undergoing MHD were randomly assigned to the IPC group (n = 14) and the control group (n = 16). Participants in the control group received usual care and patients in the IPC group received IPC during all dialysis sessions for 12 weeks. The effects of IPC on haemodynamic indicators were analysed using a generalized estimating equation model. Results A total of 26 participants completed the study. The adherence of IPC was 94.2%. The changes in haemodynamic indicators (i.e. blood pressure and heart rate) from pre-dialysis were significantly lower in the IPC group than in the control group at all time points during dialysis (P