Effect of Lowering the Dialysate Sodium on Blood Pressure in Hemodialysis Patients

Effect of Lowering the Dialysate Sodium on Blood Pressure in Hemodialysis Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Patients currently receiving hemodialysis will be randomized to receive 1 of 3 dialysate sodium prescriptions. The effects on blood pressure, interdialytic weight gain, thirst, and intradialytic symptoms will be assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients on 3 times weekly hemodialysis of at least 3 months
• elevated average ambulatory blood pressures
• current dialysate sodium prescription 140mEq/L
• average pre-dialysis serum sodium <140mEq/L

Exclusion Criteria:

• frequent intradialytic hypotension
• estimated life expectancy <1 year
• non-adherence to dialysis prescription
• pregnancy
• inability or unwillingness to complete study measures