Prevalence and Hypertension Treatment Schedule in Hemodialysis Patients and Renal Transplant Recipients in 2006 and 2014/2016

Background: Hypertension is often recognized in both hemodialysis patients (HDp) and renal transplant recipients (RTRs). The aim of the study was the evaluation of hypertension prevalence and treatment schedule and the achievement of the control of blood pressure according to the Polish Society of Hypertension, European Society of Hypertension, Joint National Committee, and American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association 2017 recommendations.

Materials and methods: Observations were done in 2 distinct periods of time: the year 2006 and the years 2014/2016. In 2006, 56 HDp and 316 RTRs were studied. In 2014/2016, 85 HDp and 818 RTRs were studied. The antihypertensive treatment analysis was based on medical records from visits in RTRs and dialyses in HDp.

Results: Cardiovascular diseases were diagnosed in 71.4% (2006) and 65.9% (2016) in HDp; 17.7% (2006) and 21.5% (2014) in RTRs. Diabetes was observed in 39.3% (2006) and 34.1% (2016) in HDp; 16.5% (2006) and 23.2% (2014) in RTRs. The target blood pressure control was achieved in 64.3% (2006) and 49.4% (2016) of HDp and in 61.4% (2006) and 45.7% (2014) of RTRs. Three drugs (28.6% and 33.5% in 2006; 30.6% and 29.1% in 2016/2014) or 2 antihypertensive drugs (19.6% and 26.9% in 2006; 22.4% and 27.1% in 2016/2014) were used in HDp and RTRs, respectively. The majority of HDp and RTRs were treated with ß-blockers followed by calcium channel blockers.

Conclusions: The target blood pressure control was achieved in a low percentage of HDp and RTRs. RTRs required multidrug antihypertensive therapy to control blood pressure more often than HDp.