Seasonal Variation in Blood Pressure Control in Patients on Maintenance Haemodialysis in LASUTH

Abstract

Background: Seasonal variation in blood pressure control has been reported in both normotensive and hypertensive patients, this is of particular importance in patients with chronic kidney disease in whom cardiovascular events are the most important cause of morbidity and mortality. Studies on the impact of seasonal variation on blood pressure control in our environment are scarce.
Objective: To relate blood pressure control changes in patients on maintenance haemodialysis in LASUTH with seasonal changes.
Methodology: Retrospective Cohort study involving all patients on maintenance dialysis who were dialysed between the months of November 2012 and October 2013. Data were obtained from the dialysis record charts of the patients. The predialysis systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure readings were obtained, as well as the intradialysis readings during each hour of the dialysis session. Dry season was taken as the period between November and March, while rainy season was taken as period between April and October. Statistical evaluation was done using the students’ T test.
Results: There was significant increment in all blood pressure readings obtained during rainy compared to dry season. Mean Systolic blood pressure being 154.08 +29.26 mmHg in the rainy season compared to 141.36 + 24.68 mmHg in the dry season (p < 0.05).
These pattern was observed also in the intradialysis blood pressure readings.
Conclusion: It was concluded that seasonal variation in blood pressure of patients on haemodialysis exists in our environment with higher values during the rainy season. The impact of this observation on morbidity and mortality of our dialysis population needs to be evaluated.