Effects of beta-blocker use on volume status in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND

Removal and control of excess fluid with dialysis is considered critical for protection against cardiovascular sequelae. Antihypertensive agents including beta-blockers may influence hemodynamics, which may limit fluid removal during hemodialysis (HD).

METHODS

Fifty chronic HD patients underwent bioimpedance measurement before and after a midweek dialysis session. Data on volume status, blood pressure, antihypertensive medications, and bioimpedance were analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients in the high-volume status group used a significantly higher percentage of beta-blockers than patients in the low-volume status group (54.2 vs. 19.2%, respectively, p = 0.01). Multivariable regression revealed that the use of beta-blockers was independently positively associated with fluid overload (p < 0.05). Intradialytic muscle cramping occurred more often in the beta-blocker group than the control group (44.4 vs. 12.5%, respectively, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the use of beta-blockers was associated with fluid overload in HD patients, and patients being treated with them experienced more intradialytic muscle cramping during dialysis.