Quantification of Autonomic Nervous Activity During Hemodialysis

Quantification of Autonomic Nervous Activity by Heart Rate Variability and Approximate Entropy in High Ultrafiltration Rate During Hemodialysis

This study assesses autonomic nervous system function by power spectral analysis of RR interval dynamics in ultrafiltration subjects without blood pressure variation.

Variations over time in autonomic nervous activity due to differences in ultrafiltration rate will be evaluated by measuring heart rate variability in hemodialysis patients without blood pressure variations during HD session.

The subjects will be divided into 3 groups, those with UFR < 10 ml/hr/kg; ≥10 ml/hr/kg but ≤ 15 ml/hr/kg; and >15 ml/hr/kg, and Holter ECG are recorded continuously during HD session using frequency analysis of RR intervals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with stable undergoing hemodialysis without hanging in blood pressure during hemodialysis.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with chronic atrial fibrillation
• Patients with frequent ventricular premature beats
• Patients with a permanent pacemaker
• Patients with taking antihypertensive drugs
• Patients with medical treatment due to changes in blood pressure