Interdialytic Weight Gain and Cardiovascular Risk in Haemodialysis Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: Findings From a Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis (MHD). This study assessed the frequency of cardiovascular (CV) events, the factors associated with them, and the impact of interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) on clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted at Fortis Hospital, Bangalore, India, involving 100 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving MHD. Participants were followed for 18 months, and CV events, including myocardial infarction (MI), sudden cardiac death (SCD), atrial fibrillation (AF), and cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), were documented. IDWG was recorded at each dialysis session. Statistical analyses were performed using appropriate comparative tests for categorical variables and survival analysis methods.

RESULTS

CV events occurred in 23% of patients, with hypertension (HTN) (p = 0.012), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (p = 0.001), and IDWG > 3 kg (p = 0.015) significantly associated with increased risk. The overall mortality was 16%, mostly from cardiovascular causes.

CONCLUSIONS

IDWG > 3 kg and LVH were major predictors of adverse outcomes. Optimising fluid balance and blood pressure control may reduce cardiovascular morbidity in this population.