Burden of Pulmonary Hypertension in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis: Evaluation Factors and Treatment Strategies

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an emerging public health problem in India. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an overlooked cardiovascular complication of CKD. This study aimed to estimate the burden of PH among CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis in a selected tertiary care hospital. In addition, it aimed to determine the various factors associated with PH and response to various treatment modalities. Methodology This hospital-based, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted in the nephrology department of a medical college hospital in Tamil Nadu from March 2023 to March 2024. The study included 150 adults diagnosed with stage 5 CKD and registered for hemodialysis. Results Of the 150 participants, 96 (64%) had PH. Of these, 81 (84%) were males and 15 (16%) were females. In the PH group, 58 (60.4%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus, 52 (54%) had been on dialysis for 6-12 months, 67 (69.8%) had chronic glomerulonephritis, 25 (26.04%) had chronic tubular interstitial nephritis, and 72 (75%) had microcytic anemia. PH patients had significantly higher rates of protein-energy malnutrition (26 (48.2%) vs. 67 (80.7%), p < 0.009) and more frequent hospitalizations (19 (35%) vs. 69 (71.9%)) compared to those without PH. Additionally, PH patients exhibited higher incidences of left ventricular hypertrophy (72% vs. 92%), pericardial effusion (0% vs. 65%), and tricuspid regurgitation (16% vs. 100%). Patients treated with a combination of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and hydralazine; extended hemodialysis; and ISDN, hydralazine, and sildenafil showed significant improvement compared to other treatment modalities. Conclusions The high prevalence of PH among CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and targeted interventions.